When a potential buyer arrives at your open house, the first thing they notice is your home's curb appeal.
“It’s kind of the introduction to the home … we call it the 'handoff' or the 'handshake' to the home,” said Amy Graham, a real estate agent with Sotheby's in Connecticut.
Buyers are going to notice whether the grass is green and the windows are clean because they are picturing how they will care for the home.
“When buyers walk up to the front door, they’re already pulling out the calculator," said Otto Catrina, a vice president of the National Association of Realtors who oversees California, Hawaii and Guam. "They look at the price and start deducting: ‘We’ve got to do this. We’ve got to do that.’”
Like staging, curb appeal attracts buyers, Catrina said.
“Curb appeal’s important. If you can’t landscape beautifully, it just needs to be kept and tidy,” said Shell Brodnax, CEO of the Real Estate Staging Association, a trade group representing professional home stagers.
Take care of the lawn
Keeping the grass green can be a difficult task depending on the local environmental conditions. In the Southern states, grass and other plants grow throughout the year. In the Northeast and Midwest, leaves pile up in the fall, and snow blankets yards in the winter. In drier areas like California and Arizona, grass may go yellow in a drought.
Catrina said to invest in fostering a green, lush lawn.
“Start watering and fertilizing early. A green lawn makes a huge difference,” Catrina said.
Dead grass can appear unappealing to potential buyers.
For homes listed in the fall, it's best to keep the lawn as clear as possible.
"Get pictures of the home during the summer or spring, before leaves or snow cover it," Graham said. “Snow and fallen leaves can hide landscaping. Buyers want to see what they’re getting.”
Once the lawn is green and mowed, the next step to consider is the landscaping. Add mulch around trees, flowerbeds and bushes.
You may not need to plant new shrubs or flowers, but if you do, ensure they will be at their best when the home is listed.
“Seasonal flowers are really important. Flowers that are in blossom make a big difference,” Catrina said.
While the yard should be neat and well-kept, it also shouldn't look like too much work. Buyers might be turned off by a high-maintenance yard.
“Even extraordinary landscaping can overwhelm buyers," Graham said. "Keep it simple and honest."
The front yard makes the first impression, but the backyard also needs attention. It should be mowed and tidy, not look like a project. Some buyers will be seeking usable outside space.
“We often overlook the backyard when selling, but it’s just as important as curb appeal," said Sue Kim, director of color marketing at paint company Valspar. "It’s where buyers imagine their lifestyle.”
Pro tip: “Black mulch looks fresh and clean. It’s one of my go-to recommendations for curb appeal,” Catrina said.
Consider a facade face-lift
After the yard, a prospective homeowner is likely to be drawn to the exterior of the home.
“The front of the house is like a facial expression; it should be neutral and friendly,” Graham said.
A facade's curb appeal can vary greatly depending on the home's architecture and condition. Older homes might need more work, such as replacing siding, repairing roofs or applying fresh paint.
“Paint is really critical. A fresh coat can completely change how a home is perceived,” Catrina said.
For brick homes, paint is also an option. Limewashing or painting traditional red brick has become more popular in recent years.
“I always recommend doing a mineral paint like Romabio. It’s a lime-based paint. It fuses, kind of like a stain, penetrates into the brick," said Lisa Jenkins, a color consultant out of North Carolina. “It becomes part of the brick instead of sitting on top like paint.”
The cost to paint a home depends on the size, but ranges from $3,000 to $12,000.
Siding can also be freshened up with a power wash. Rent a power washer for a day. It costs about $40 and you can just hook it up to a hose.
“Power washing is important — driveways with oil stains, garages, even the siding,” Catrina said.
Even the most stunning facade can't make up for a lackluster interior.
“Try to keep the exterior congruent with the interior to avoid disappointment,” Graham said.
If the exterior is a modern farmhouse but the inside is not, then buyers may be turned off.
Pro tip: Several paint companies offer free virtual color consults if you decide to paint your home a new color.
- Front door colors that sell: How a simple paint job can boost personality, appeal and buyer interest
The little details matter
Improving curb appeal does not need to be an expensive or time-consuming ordeal.
“A nice mat at the front door — something that says ‘Welcome’ or ‘Hello’ — sets a friendly tone right away,” Catrina said.
Pro tip: Upgrading your street numbers is a simple way to add detail. If you have a porch, stage it with potted plants or fake flowers.
If your home is in good condition, there are still a few small improvements that can be made to the facade.
“Fix little things — paint the front door, repair shutters, wash windows,” Graham said.
The front door color is an easy and affordable way to make a statement.
“Look at current color trends," Catrina said. "Red is a popular choice, but whatever you choose, make sure it’s fresh and intentional.”
If you are looking to invest more in curb appeal, lighting can be a powerful tool.
“Exterior lighting is important, not just for security, but for ambiance,” Catrina said. “If you have trees, lighting that shoots up on them at night makes the house look sexy. ... Walkway lights are great, especially with Daylight Savings coming.”
Replacing the porch light bulb or adding a new light fixture can also enhance the home's appearance.
Whatever cosmetic updates you make, the goal isn't to disguise the home, it's to present it honestly.
Pro tip: Be careful with any seasonal decorations outside because you never know if a potential buyer will celebrate the holiday.