Curb Appeal: First Impressions Matter When Selling Your Home
They say you can’t judge a book by its cover—but when it comes to houses, the exterior is just as important as the interior. First impressions often determine whether a buyer even steps inside.
Even if your home is sparkling inside, overgrown grass, fallen shutters, a cracked driveway, or untidy flower beds can turn buyers away before they reach the front door.
Why Daytime Matters
Most REALTORS® recommend viewing homes during daylight hours. Nighttime visits can hide flaws or create false impressions. If your schedule only allows evening visits, drive past the property during the day to get a true sense of its curb appeal.
Enhancing Your Home’s Exterior
Start by looking at your home objectively from different angles. Ask friends or neighbours for honest opinions. Identify the appealing features—and the problem areas.
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Are shrubs overgrown?
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Are doors, windows, or railings damaged?
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Does the exterior need paint or cleaning?
A home’s interior may be perfect, but if the roof, gutters, walls, driveway, garage, or yard look neglected, potential buyers may move on.
Curb appeal doesn’t mean major renovations. Even small touches like wicker chairs or potted flowers on the front porch can make a difference.
Practical Ways to Boost Curb Appeal
1. Clean Up the Yard
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Mow the lawn, trim hedges, weed flower beds.
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Remove dead trees or shrubs and broken lawn furniture.
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In winter, shovel walkways and driveways; rake leaves in the fall.
2. Repair Any Problems
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Fix damaged roofs, doors, windows, screens, and siding.
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Caulk window exteriors and repair storm doors.
3. Eliminate Clutter
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Remove yard debris, construction materials, and unused items.
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Clean out the garage and shed—if you haven’t used it in a year, donate or recycle it.
4. Refresh Siding
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A thorough cleaning can make a home look new.
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Painted wood or aluminum siding: mix one cup strong detergent and one quart chlorine bleach in three gallons of water; scrub from the bottom up and rinse.
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Vinyl siding: hose it down, sponge with mild detergent, and rinse.
5. Use Paint Strategically
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Paint can emphasize vertical or horizontal lines to alter perception.
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Doors, shutters, and corner trim in contrasting colors draw attention.
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Harmonize textures and structures by using two complementary shades or a dark tone for complex textures.
6. Coordinate Outdoor Structures
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Paint garages, sheds, playhouses, and other outbuildings to match or complement the main home.
7. Add Flower Power
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Landscaping increases appeal and can boost value.
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Plant flowers in garden beds, window boxes, or hanging baskets.
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Highlight features with outdoor lighting—spotlights, floodlights, or well-lit pathways.
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Small touches like a wreath or welcome mat create a warm, inviting entry.
Bottom Line
Curb appeal is your home’s first impression—make it count. Small, thoughtful touches can attract more buyers, increase perceived value, and set the stage for a successful sale.
