How to Increase Your Curb Appeal

Curb appeal plays a big role in selling your home; first impressions are everything, after all. Discover the simple exterior updates that can make your home more appealing to buyers.

You know curb appeal when you see it. It’s that house that always catches your eye . Maybe it’s lush, colorful flower beds, a freshly mowed lawn or a newly painted front door. As a homeowner, you can use curb appeal to create a welcoming environment for guests. If you’re planning to sell your home, though, it can become even more important. Your curb appeal can be what sells your home.

What Is Curb Appeal?

Curb appeal refers to a home’s exterior appearance. It encompasses everything from your windows to your driveway, roof and even your mailbox. Whether it’s an impeccably landscaped yard, a charming porch or a well-lit walkway, a home with curb appeal stands out. And when you’re selling, it can draw potential buyers in.

Why Curb Appeal Matters in Real Estate

Your home’s exterior is the first thing prospective homebuyers see, setting the tone for the rest of the home. A home with curb appeal makes a strong and positive initial impression. It suggests a home has been well-maintained and cared for, giving home shoppers confidence in its overall condition. This can make them more eager to explore the interior.

But it’s more than aesthetics. Great curb appeal could increase your property’s value. In other words, a pretty exterior could mean more profit for you.

Evaluate Your Home

Before rushing to the home improvement store, you’ll want to assess your property’s current curb appeal. What areas need repair, updating or simply a little love? A thorough evaluation can help you prioritize your projects to ensure you focus your time and budget where they’ll have the most impact. Take a second look at the following:

• Landscaping
• Driveway and walkways
• Front door
• Porch
• Stairs and handrails
• Roof
• Garage
• Paint or siding
• Windows
• Door numbers and mailbox
• Lighting
• Deck, pergola, and patio

Get an objective perspective

After you’ve been in your home a while, it can be difficult to see it with fresh eyes. Ask a friend, neighbor or real estate professional for honest, constructive feedback on your home’s appearance. Others can identify problems you might have missed and offer helpful suggestions and creative solutions. A real estate expert will also better understand what prospects expect and prefer and help guide you in the right direction.

Curb Appeal Ideas

Enhancements can range from easy fixes such as new door numbers to more extensive projects like professional landscaping. Let’s break down some popular improvements you could make to boost your curb appeal and potentially your your home's market value.

Landscape

Thoughtful landscaping can create an inviting outdoor space where prospective home buyers can easily imagine themselves relaxing and making memories. And the good news is it's not difficult or expensive to improve your yard's look quickly. In most cases, it just requires a little DIY elbow grease. Here are some good places to start:

• Weed, fertilize and mow your lawn
• Add a fresh layer of mulch around your trees and flower beds
• Trim overgrown shrubs and trees
• Clean yard debris
• Edge all the walkways
• Plant shrubs or flowers to fill in any dead spaces

If you’re open to investing more money and effort, consider installing a programmable irrigation system. Thinking really big? Hire a landscape planner or architect to evaluate your property and execute a plan. However, consider the project size if you intend to sell your home. A real estate professional can provide insight into which landscaping upgrades are most appealing to buyers in your area. They can offer guidance on balancing your investment with the potential return when it’s time to put your home on the market.

Front Door

As the entry to your home, your front door should be both stylish and functional. Whether you prefer classic wood, sleek fiberglass or sturdy steel, a new front door can instantly elevate your home's curb appeal.

If you don’t need a new door, it’s best to ensure your existing one looks well-maintained. You can give it a facelift by removing the screen door and adding a coat of paint in a bold color, polish the existing hardware or upgrade to new pieces. Don’t forget to clean any glass, fix any squeaks and check that the door opens smoothly.

Lighting

Lighting plays a significant role in enhancing your home’s curb appeal. Upgrade by refreshing your existing fixtures and switching to energy-efficient bulbs.

Explore smart lighting systems that offer adjustable brightness, colors and schedules. Smart outdoor lighting has become a sought-after choice among homeowners for its combination of convenience and contemporary design. Lighting updates not only elevate your home’s exterior but also improve safety by enhancing security and reducing accidents.

Exterior Finishes

Signs of wear and tear are par for the course, especially over time. Revitalize your home’s appearance with these simple projects and updates to make it more appealing to potential buyers.

• Pressure wash. Instantly refresh your property’s look by pressure washing your home’s exterior surfaces, including walls, walkways, fences, steps and sidewalks.
• Maintain your driveway. Reseal your driveway and address any cracks or stains.
• Replace garage door. A new garage door that complements your home’s style can update its overall appearance. The latest options may be more insulated, which can also help increase energy efficiency.
• Install or repair your fence. A well-maintained fence adds privacy and defines your property's boundaries. If you already have a fence, you may want to repaint or stain it to restore its original look . For new installations, choose a design that suits your home’s character and is made with durable materials suitable for your climate and desired level of maintenance.
• Do a roof refresh. If your roof looks outdated or worn, replacing it can significantly boost curb appeal. A new roof enhances aesthetics, gives buyers confidence in the home's condition and may increase resale value. Before proceeding, consult a professional for an inspection and weigh the cost against other improvement options.
• Clean or update your windows. Sparkling clean windows brighten your home. If needed, replace old or damaged windows with energy-efficient options to improve both appearance and functionality.

It’s the Little Things

Small touches can have a big impact when it comes to first impressions.

• Incorporate natural beauty. Place a vibrant pot of flowers or plants on your front porch to add a pop of color and life.
• Conceal unaesthetic utility elements. Hide items such as recycling bins or air conditioning units with clever landscaping, custom enclosures or strategically placed latticework.
• Swap the mailbox. A new mailbox can add more than just style, some newer models are larger, fitting more parcels.
• Ring in a new doorbell. Get a new look with a doorbell upgrade, whether it’s a classic chime or a high-tech video model.

Functional Space Updates

Consider how new homeowners might use your outdoor space to fit their lifestyle. Spaces designed for relaxation, play and entertainment can reassure potential buyers that the outdoor area suits their needs.

• Restore your deck or porch. Staining or painting can bring new life to your outdoor spaces while protecting them from outdoor elements.
• Create an outdoor oasis. Add outdoor furniture, a table set or a fire pit to encourage leisure, lounging and al fresco dining. Already have outdoor seating? Clean everything thoroughly and further freshen up the pieces with new cushions.
• Build for function. A pergola or awning creates shade and helps define your outdoor living area, adding both comfort and practicality.
• Maintain the pool area. Consider adding new poolside furniture or safety features like a secure fence to make the area family-friendly.

Make Strategic Improvements to Sell or Love

If you want to sell your home, strategic curb appeal enhancements may help you attract buyers more quickly. For homeowners planning to stay put, these updates can create a space you’ll love to spend time in.

Ready to make some changes? Talk to a licensed Pennymac Loan Expert today to see how you can use the equity in your home to get started or apply today.