When your home is so gorgeous and inviting on the outside that it compels potential buyers to request a walk-through, you’ve mastered the concept of curb appeal. 

Merriam-Webster defines curb appeal as “the visual attractiveness of a house as seen from the street.” 

These days, most home buyers narrow the potential purchase field by a quick visual glance. This could mean anything from an online 360º digital tour of your home to an actual physical drive-by viewing. All aspects of the exterior of your home should work together to invite people to your front door. Because when they find something interesting, they call for a closer look. This call is almost always preceded by successful curb appeal.

What are the ingredients of top-notch curb appeal? They are broad and varied, but a solid combination of them will bring about faster sale.

Beautify Your Yard

One of the most important aspects of curb appeal is your lawn. Keep it mowed and keep it green. Neat and tidy wins the day with this simple maintenance routine. Keep shrubs and branches trimmed back, a vital task in the winter months when light struggles to find its way into your home’s interior. If possible, add some color to your yard, even if it’s just various shades of green. 

Add fresh mulch where you can. This not only nourishes and protects your plants, it further adds to the story of care and attention to your lawn.

Don’t forget about your mailbox! At the very least, see if it needs a fresh coat of paint. You can beautifully frame this area by planting flowers and plants around your box.

Clean Up Driveway, Walkways, Decks & Fencing

Once the bulk of your yard is looking its best, it’s time to think about the avenues your potential buyers will take to get your front door. Your driveway, walkways, decking, and fencing are all areas that could use a careful eye. Over time, it’s common for these surfaces to accumulate grime. Pull out the pressure washer and remove grime, debris and moss from all these areas. Not only will it create a smoother area on which to walk, it brightens it up as well.

Repair any cracks or holes in your driveway. Edge it cleanly. Look for any sags in your fencing and shore them up. Would a fresh coat of paint or stain help make a stronger statement? If so, invest in it! Check for loose stones or boards along your walkways and stabilize them. Consider adding flowers along the walkway to add a bit of cheer. Each step closer your buyer gets to your front door, whether in a virtual tour or a real-time drive-by, should build anticipation for what’s inside.

Create a Welcoming Entryway

Your entryway can make a lasting impression on your potential buyers. Start with a view from the street. Can you easily see the front door? Is it well lit? Is it inviting? Your door itself adds much to this ambiance. Give it a fresh paint job. Consider new hardware to update the look and feel. Add a seasonal wreath. Top it off with a brand new doormat.

Plants add a softer touch and make this area even more welcoming. Add a planter, a small container garden, or a collection of potted plants. Make this area cozy and comfortable.

Clean your light fixtures. Make sure there’s enough lighting on the path to the front door and the entryway itself. These winter days have little light and there’s high chance viewers first view your home in the dark.

If you have the budget, consider replacing the entire front door. This can redefine the entire feel of your home. The same is true from upgrading your light fixtures.

Spruce Up Your Home’s Exterior

Rain falls heavy at times here in the Pacific Northwest. Make sure your roof is clean and moss-free. Over time, gutters fill up with leaves and debris so take the time to clean them and ensure that water is flowing as it should. The last thing you want is an overflowing gutter flooding your entryway or forcing potential buyers to sidestep a walkway.

Just as in your entryway, make sure the entire home exterior is well lit. This gives your buyers a full-view of your home’s beauty. Your house numbers should be lit as well. (Consider updating these house numbers if needed.)

With all the wildfire smoke we had over the summer, your windows probably have a layer of dust. Wash them inside and out so they sparkle and the light reaches further into every room.

If you have the budget, consider a fresh coat of paint on your home’s exterior. Consider upgrading your garage doors. And if we build your home on a cinderblock or cement foundation, help it blend in better it by painting it a neutral color that complements the home’s color.

A successful combination of these ingredients leads to higher selling price and a faster sale. And your return on investment for these adjustments make them worth the effort.