7 Best Ways to Boost Curb Appeal

Could your home use some extra curb appeal? Here are the seven best ways to boost your home's curb appeal. 

Buying a home can be an exciting and stressful process, and there are many important factors to think about. Many first-time home buyers dive straight into how they can decorate and improve the interior; it's not uncommon to forget about the importance of curb appeal.

The exterior may seem intimidating, but by following these seven easy ways to boost curb appeal, you'll quickly realize that it doesn't have to be a time-consuming or costly expense. Things like simply cleaning up the lawn or painting the front door can go a long way in boosting your curb appeal. The curb appeal will be just as important as your home style. 

If you're thinking about selling your home, it is still extremely important to consider your curb appeal. There are many common selling mistakes, and not boosting curb appeal is too easy of a mistake to make. After all, it is one of the first things buyers will see when they arrive at your house. This way, you can sell fast and possibly sell for more than your neighbors. 

Raleigh, NC, is known as a beautiful place to live, with plenty of fun coffee shops, events, restaurants, bars, and prime real estate. Make sure your home fits right in with the other beautiful homes in Raleigh.

Not only will boosting curb appeal increase the value of your home, but you can turn it into a space you love. Whether that be a cozy porch or a beautiful garden that can survive summer, take a look at these ways to boost curb appeal to create your dream home. 

Keep reading to learn more about the seven best ways to boost curb appeal.

1. Clean Up That Lawn

The number one way to boost curb appeal is to clean up your lawn. This doesn't have to be a pricy or in-depth task. Simply mowing the lawn and cleaning up the edges of your grass can go a long way. Potential buyers want to see a clean and healthy yard in the home staging process, and you can achieve this in several ways, and you don't have to have a green thumb to do it.

The first way would be to mow and clean up the lawn, which should be done throughout the year even in the fall to boost curb appeal. Rake off any leaves, pull the weeds, and even water the parts of your grass that are dying. If you want to go the extra mile, consider planting colorful flowers or shrubs. Not only could this make the lawn look cleaner, but it makes it much more appealing to potential buyers.

If you don't have a green thumb, you can try planting flowers or other plants around common eyesores like vent pipes. You can even fence them in; many people have a designated and fenced-in area for their garbage bins. This really adds to their overall curb appeal.

Again, you don't have to go above and beyond if you don't want to; this can be as big or small of a project as you wish. Cleaning up the lawn and raking leaves is an important fall home maintenance step. 

2. Clean Your Gutters

Many forget how dirty gutters can get until it is too late. But more often than not, many potential buyers will pay attention to this. Make sure to clear out any debris and scrub the outsides to make them look shiny and new. It might seem daunting, but after that, you'll realize how big of a difference it can make.

Many homes have outdated or older gutter systems that can clog easily. If you notice any peeling paint, rust, or saggy gutters, it may be time to give them an update or replace them. 

If you are looking to invest in a new gutter system, there are a couple of options. Some homes have a vinyl gutter system, which is cheaper but can decay over time, especially with colder weather. Others use copper systems, which do cost more but tend to last longer and look a bit nicer. Whichever you decide on, make sure they are bright and shiny to really boost curb appeal. 

3. Porch Decor

Updating porch decor might be the most satisfying way to boost curb appeal. Not only will your home look more appealing, but if you do it right and depending on your home style, then you've just added another great room to your house. 

If you enjoy the outdoors, then investing in good and stable outdoor furniture is a great decision. This doesn't have to be expensive either; you can find many affordable options for outdoor furniture or even add a screened-in porch for more comfort. 

If furniture isn't something you want, then you could try simply repainting the door. Many people appreciate a pop of color and showcase that on their front door or with flowers along the porch. You can do this on your own, and it will really enhance the other colors of your home. 

Along with furniture, adding decorations around the porch can go a long way. This could mean adding a witty doormat or wreath. Not only will it make your guests laugh, but if you are showing the home, potential buyers are more likely to remember your home.

Make sure to fix or update any outdated hardware on the porch or front door. This is another small but significant way to boost overall curb appeal. Finally, fix up any broken or outdated railings along the porch for safety.

4. Design a Clear Walkway

A straightforward but stylish walkway is a sure sign that a home is well-kept. If you already have a paved walkway leading to the front door, then you can trim the edges of the grass around it or even spring for lights to illuminate the walkway. To make it a bit more fancy, you could add flowers, shrubs, or other plants along the walk. 

During the holidays, many people decorate their walkways to make it more enjoyable for not only their guests but the homeowners themselves. 

If you want to take an extra step, you could build a walkway out of stone or brick. Many people appreciate the classic beauty of a walkway leading to the front door, so make sure to keep it as a top priority. 

5. Powerwash Away

Whether you just bought your home, you're cleaning it, or putting it on the market, you should prioritize power washing the exterior. Not only does this include the actual walls on the outside of the house, but the walkway or driveway of the home as well. 

This can get expensive if you decide to hire someone to do it for you, but it will be absolutely worth it. You will want to get off any excess dirt and grime left over from the previous tenets, and your home will look much better.

You can tackle this on your own even if you don't own a power washer, as you can rent one from Home Depot or Lowes for a relatively affordable price. In addition, you can clean your windows, which often get overlooked but are important nonetheless. 

Cleaning up the exterior of your home will leave it looking ten times better, and you'll be glad you did it. As you do this, you might notice some minor repairs that need fixing, so it should be one of the first things you do because you don't want to miss any minor problems. Here, you might also notice any siding or trim that needs replacing. 

6. Update Your Mailbox and Street Numbers

Swapping out an older mailbox for a new one can give your home a brand-new look. Your mailbox is one of the first things that potential buyers will see when they drive up, and you don't want to start with a bad impression right off the bat, especially since it is such a small and easy fix.

Some neighborhoods like to have matching or similar mailboxes, so make sure to check with your HOA or neighbors before buying a whole new mailbox. Depending on the type you need, it shouldn't be more than about $200. This will make your home and street as a whole look much more put together. 

Also, check on the street numbers, which may be on your front porch or mailbox. These can often start to fall off or need a replacement. As a part of your home's exterior hardware, rust, cracking, or fading can mean it is time for replacement. Depending on your neighborhood, you have the freedom to get as creative as you want with this. Don't be shy to add your own personal touch if you would like. 

7. Tidy Up

The simplest way to boost curb appeal is to tidy up the yard. This means cleaning up the hoses but hiding them away or building covers for trash cans. Again, this doesn't have to be expensive; it can be simply moving them out of sight.

Along with removing excess from your home's street view, make sure to clean up any unwanted trash or toys from the yard if you can. This is especially important if you are selling and hosting an open house in which most buyers want a clean-looking home so they can better visualize themselves living there. 

While tidying up the yard, you could consider adding some finishing touches, like outdoor art or a garden. Exterior landscaping, such as potted plants or flowers, makes the whole lawn look much more inviting. There are many free and helpful apps available to help you get into gardening. Many people opt for a planting bed that consists of different plant sizes, colors, and textures for superb results. 

FAQ: Best Ways to Boost Curb Appeal

Here are some commonly asked questions about the best ways to boost curb appeal. 

What adds curb appeal to a house?

Other than the ways detailed above, you can repaint your home, fix up the roof, or add lights around the house. There is no shortage of ways to spruce up your front yard, and many are relatively cheap. 

How do you dress a boring house exterior?

There are many ways to add to a seemingly boring house exterior; trying a fresh coat of paint, a pop of trim color, a porch, new shutters, or even simple flowers in the yard will help tremendously. 

What makes a house look outdated?

Any sort of chips, scuffs, or marks on the walls can make a home seem outdated. You can fix this by repainting the walls or power washing the exterior of the home. 

What decorating trends are going out of style?

Decorating trends tend to go in and out of style fast, and nowadays, people are shying away from neutral decoration styles and experimenting with color for a more vibrant-looking space. You can never go wrong with decorating the way you like; after all, it is your home. 

How can I make my porch more appealing?

Try lightening up the space with overhead lights, adding a nice couch and table, pops of color, and fresh flowers to boost your porch appeal. 

Best Ways to Boost Curb Appeal: Final Thoughts

Curb appeal is an extremely overlooked necessity that helps listing agents sell your home. It is easy to focus so much on the interior that you completely forget about the exterior of your home. But boosting curb appeal is very important and doesn't have to be as costly as you might think. Don't feel like you need to go overboard on any of these; simply paying attention to the exterior of your home will help. 

Not only will you fall more in love with your home than you already were, but you'll increase the overall value of your home by boosting curb appeal. You can even start small by cleaning up the year or buying that porch swing you've always wanted. The key is creating a space that you love, no matter how you decide to do it. 

So, regardless of if you just bought your home or you're putting it on the market. you won't want to skip out on these seven ways to boost your curb appeal

If you're considering buying your first home, there are many things to consider before and after. Raleigh, NC, is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country and has a plethora of beautiful homes for sale; you'll have to act fast if you want to buy your dream home in one of Raleigh's best neighborhoods.

As you search for your next home in the Triangle, don't hesitate to contact one of our helpful Real Estate Specialists, as they are eager to help you find the perfect home. We know that buying a new home can be stressful and overwhelming, so make sure you are well-prepared beforehand.