Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to make your home more appealing, improving your curb appeal is one of the easiest ways to create a lasting first impression and potentially increase your home’s value. From fresh landscaping to simple updates to your entryway, small changes can have a big impact on the look and feel of your home.
This Redfin guide shares practical ways to improve your home’s appearance and expert tips to make every detail count, from your driveway to your front door. Whether you’re preparing to list your home in South Burlington, Vermont, or refreshing the exterior in Stillwater, Oklahoma, these curb appeal ideas will help your home stand out and give it a more inviting feel.
In this article:
Restraint appeals start before the buyer even arrives at your door
Refresh your landscape and instantly boost your mood
Prioritize maintenance before cosmetic updates
Easily transform your front door
Invest in small upgrades for big returns
Enhance your curb appeal with luxury-level details
Tips to improve your curb appeal all year round
Restraint appeals start before the buyer even arrives at your door
First impressions begin long before someone steps in the door. When buyers pull up to your property, they’ll start noticing everything from the condition of your driveway to the visibility of your house number, making the path to your front door just as important as the front door itself.
“To make a great first impression, make sure you have an attractive, bright license sign and mailbox, that the gate (if you have one) matches the style of the home and that the license pad is clean, that the driveway has fresh gravel or pavers, and that the parking lot has attractive landscaping, landscaping, and lighting,” said Megan Bullen-White, founder and CEO of Upstate Curious.
Refresh your landscape and instantly boost your mood
A well-kept yard can make a home feel instantly appealing, but an overgrown or neglected exterior can turn buyers off before they even set foot in your home. Simple seasonal updates and a deep clean will make your property look well-maintained and help buyers envision themselves calling it home.
“A home’s exterior tells a story before the front door opens,” says Gigi Garringhouse of McCarthy Group Realtors. “Details matter because buyers often decide how they feel about a home within the first few seconds of arriving.”
When refreshing your landscaping or exterior, consider these simple updates.
1. Add a new multi. It gives your flower beds a clean, finished look and helps accentuate your landscape.
2. Plant seasonal greenery. Add flowers, plants, and other greenery that complement your home’s style and climate.
3. Pressure wash the exterior. Clean sidewalks, driveways, patios, and side walls to remove built-up dirt and grime.
4. Clean the windows. Sparkling windows make your home look brighter and more well-maintained from the outside.
5. Update your outdoor lighting. Replace outdated equipment or add lighting to highlight your landscape and improve visibility.
Prioritize maintenance before cosmetic updates
Before adding any decorative touches, make sure the exterior of your home is clean, tidy, and in good condition. Buyers are more likely to focus on peeling paint, damaged fixtures, and overgrown gardens than they are on a new doormat, so addressing visible maintenance issues first will make any cosmetic upgrades feel more effective.
Start with the following exterior maintenance tasks.
6. Clean up your garden. Mow the lawn, cut away overgrown shrubs, remove weeds, and remove fallen leaves and branches.
7. Repair visible damage. Fix broken fences, loose railings, cracked sidewalks, and other exterior issues that may be signs of neglect.
8. Touch up any peeling paint. Refresh areas where paint is peeling or worn, especially around front doors, trim and shutters.
9. Clean gutters and downspouts. Remove debris and ensure there are no visible deposits.
10. Replace burnt out light bulbs. Check the outdoor lighting around your front door, driveway, and walkways to make sure everything is bright and comfortable.
Easily transform your front door
The front door is often the focal point of a home’s exterior, so giving this area a little extra attention can make a visible difference. You don’t have to invest in major renovations to create a welcoming entrance. Simple updates can make your space look cleaner, more sophisticated, and more appealing to potential buyers.
“Small changes to the exterior of your home can have a big impact on a buyer’s first impression,” says Melody Norris, owner and designer of Sandia Staging and Design. “Start by giving the door a fresh coat of paint, sweeping away dirt and debris from walkways, and putting down a new welcome mat. Keep your yard tidy and clear away clutter like tools, hoses, and children’s toys. For even more curb appeal, place some potted plants around the doorway and make sure your house number is clearly visible so buyers can easily find your home.”
Quickly update your front entry with these simple updates.
11. Paint the front door. A fresh coat of paint will instantly make your entryway look cleaner and newer.
12. Clean the aisles. Make sure the path to your front door is kept clear by sweeping away dirt, leaves, and debris.
13. Add a new welcome mat. Choose one that matches your home’s style and creates a warm first impression.
14. Clean up the clutter. Store tools, hoses, toys, and other everyday items that get in the way of your entryway.
15. Add potted plants. Place some planters near the door to bring color and personality to your entryway.
16. Make your street address easier to find. Make sure the number is clean, visible, and easy to read from the street.
Invest in small upgrades for big returns
You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your home look more sophisticated. With a few strategic, low-cost improvements, you can update the look of your home, show buyers that your property has been well-maintained, and make a strong first impression before they even step foot in your home.
“A home’s exterior is its most powerful marketing tool. Buyers form an opinion within seconds of arriving at your home,” says Panthea Bionchi of Bionchi Interiors. “Replacing outdated light fixtures, updating the street address, and adding a new doormat are low-cost, high-impact details that convey pride of ownership. Buyers will walk through the front door you’ve already sold if the exterior is polished and inviting.”
>>Check out: 6 tips for creating the ultimate outdoor living space
Enhance your curb appeal with luxury-level details
Luxury buyers often pay close attention to details that convey a home’s quality and value, and curb appeal is especially important in the luxury market.
“Invest in professional landscaping that fits the profile of buyers in your specific market. That could mean a manicured exterior or something a little more rustic, but in any case, an overgrown or untidy garden signals neglect to buyers, regardless of what’s inside,” recommends Joseph Satt of the Fresh Air Team. “Often overlooked, external lighting can enhance a property’s ambience. Uplights layered over trees and architectural pale lighting on facades can create a dramatic, resort-like presence at dusk.”
For a more polished look, consider these luxury curb appeal upgrades.
17. Invest in a professional landscaper. Choose a design that complements your home’s architecture and reflects what’s appealing to buyers in your local market.
18. Layer your exterior lighting. Use uplighting to highlight trees and architectural lighting to highlight your home’s facade and create a dramatic look after sunset.
19. Take your luxury finishes indoors. Consider updating hardware and fixtures with sophisticated materials and finishes that complement your home’s overall design.
20. Staging your home strategically. For luxury properties, professional staging and interior design can help buyers imagine the lifestyle the home will offer and increase the value of the property.
Tips to improve your curb appeal all year round
Improving your home’s curb appeal doesn’t require major renovations. By making small, thoughtful updates, you can leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to enjoy a more comfortable space, focusing on maintenance, landscaping, and finishing touches can create a look that stands out from the moment people arrive.
