Spruce Up Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Credit: Doug Peterson Photography

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions matter… and we could argue that they matter a whole lot more than you realize. Why is curb appeal so important? Your home’s exterior and grounds set the tone for potential buyers. The more charming, well maintained, and inviting it is, the more likely a buyer will be drawn to it. By enhancing your home's curb appeal, you not only make it more attractive but also increase its market value. We share with you our expert tips on sprucing up your home’s curb appeal.

#1 Landscaping:

Think of your curb appeal as a painting: your home is the artwork and the landscaping is the frame. Well- trimmed landscape, vibrant flowers, and lush green grass create a beautiful and neat frame around the house. 

Our top recommendations:

• Plant colorful foliage in garden beds, or place potted plants around the front entry. Pro-tip: select plants that are seasonally and geographically appropriate for your area. In Idaho, drought-tolerant plants are a bonus (and must) in our warm and dry climate.
• Top garden beds with fresh mulch
• Remove weeds and other debris from garden beds
• Trim trees around the home so they are not touching the exterior or roof
• Ensure sprinkler systems are in working order

Credit: Doug Peterson Photography

#2 Freshen Up Exterior Finishes:

Now that you’ve created the perfect frame, focus on the painting itself. Your home’s exterior is important to the overall appeal. A maintained exterior shows the home’s condition at a glance. When a home’s exterior is kept up, buyers will translate the whole property as well cared for.

Our top recommendations:

• Address siding issues. Replace damaged siding, scrape peeling paint, powerwash dirt and grime, and/or repaint the exterior.
• Wash windows
• Check for broken/leaking gutters and replace as needed
• Replace outdated fixtures and hardware. Updating exterior light fixtures and address numbers are a lower-cost upgrade that has a big impact.

Credit: Doug Peterson Photography

#3 A Grand Entrance:

The entryway is the focal point of your home’s curb appeal. This area needs special attention as this will be where buyers cross over the threshold into their potential ‘dream home.’ 

Our top recommendations:

• Repaint the front door. A fun (and complimentary) color draws the eye to the home’s entry. If painting the door is not possible, consider adding color through potted plants.
• Place potted plants or hanging baskets on either side of the entrance
• Add a clean doormat that complements the home’s style
• If you have a porch, place a cafe table, chairs, and fluff with outdoor pillows and a refreshment setting on the table to craft a relaxed atmosphere that buyers can see themselves enjoying.

Credit: Doug Peterson Photography

#4 Create Outdoor Living Spaces:

Highlighting outdoor living spaces is an excellent way to increase your home's appeal. In the post-pandemic market, buyers are actively looking for enhanced outdoor spaces to enjoy fresh air.

Our top recommendations:

• Stage your patio/deck spaces with comfortable furniture and accessories
• Fire tables and firepits elevate patio spaces and create a cozy environment
• Add cafe lighting above patio/deck spaces for ambiance
• Remove covers from grills/outdoor furniture and open up patio umbrellas
• If you have a pool/spa, open the pool and ensure it is cleaned out and serviced 

Credit: Doug Peterson Photography

#5 It’s All in the Details:

Little details may not make or break a sale, but they can certainly add up. Take care to address these small (and easily overlooked) areas:

• Remove cobwebs (especially entryways)
• Hide trash bins/cans
• Pressure wash sidewalks and patios
• Park vehicles away from the home or in the garage
• Keep the garage tidy
• Blow leaves and other debris from collecting in corners
• Remove yards signs (i.e. political endorsements)

Credit: Doug Petersen Photography

By implementing our expert tips to spruce your home's curb appeal, you're not only making a positive first impression but also increasing the home’s value. Well-maintained landscape, fresh exterior finishes, an inviting entryway, relaxing outdoor spaces, and attention to detail can make all the difference when it comes to attracting potential buyers and securing a top dollar return on your investment. Remember, a little effort and creativity can go a long way in transforming your home's exterior into an irresistible selling feature!

If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, learn more about our full-service client concierge program. Our team of dedicated professionals is here to help you with these recommendations and will coordinate the heavy lifting for you. Let us take care of the details, so you can focus on what matters most to you. Call us at (208) 870-8292 to schedule a preliminary consultation.