When you’re getting ready to sell your home, first impressions matter. The exterior of your home is the first thing potential buyers see, and it's what they’ll remember long after their visit. Whether they’re walking up to your door or scrolling through listings online, your home’s curb appeal sets the tone for what’s inside. Improving your home’s exterior doesn’t have to break the bank or take up all your weekends—there are simple, effective ways to increase curb appeal and make your home stand out in a competitive market.
Start with a Clean Slate: Clean and Power Wash Your Home's Exterior
When was the last time you cleaned the exterior of your home? Over time, your home’s siding, driveway, and walkways accumulate dirt, dust, and grime. It’s amazing what a difference a thorough cleaning can make.
Power Washing for Instant Results: Renting a power washer (or hiring a professional) is an easy way to give your home’s exterior a fresh start. Power washing can remove years of built-up dirt from your siding, garage door, walkways, and driveway. Focus on high-traffic areas where dirt and mildew tend to accumulate, such as porch steps or shaded parts of the house.
Gutter Maintenance: While you’re cleaning the exterior, don’t forget your gutters. Clogged gutters not only look unattractive, but they can also lead to water damage. Clean them out regularly and consider adding gutter guards to keep debris out in the future.
Give Your Front Door a Facelift
The front door is one of the most important focal points of your home’s exterior. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders to enhance its appearance.
Bold Colors to Stand Out: If you want your home to stand out, consider painting your front door a bold but complementary color. Reds, blues, and even shades of yellow can make a statement. Just make sure the color complements the rest of your home’s color scheme. If you're unsure, neutral colors like deep brown, navy, or classic black are always a safe bet.
Update Hardware: While you’re working on the front door, don’t neglect the hardware. Swapping out old, worn doorknobs, locks, and knockers for new, modern options is an easy and affordable upgrade. Brass, matte black, or brushed nickel are stylish options that can add a modern touch.
Add a Wreath or Plants: A simple way to make your home feel inviting is to add a decorative wreath or seasonal plants to your front entrance. You can choose options that change with the seasons or keep it simple with an evergreen wreath that works year-round.
Upgrade Your Lighting
Lighting plays a big role in curb appeal, especially in the evening hours when buyers might drive by your home. Proper lighting not only makes your home look warm and inviting, but it also adds an element of security.
Pathway Lights: Installing pathway lights along your front walkway or driveway is an excellent way to guide visitors to your door and enhance the overall ambiance of your home. Solar-powered lights are an energy-efficient option that doesn’t require complicated wiring.
Front Porch Lighting: Swap out any outdated or broken porch lights with modern, stylish fixtures. Lantern-style lights, industrial designs, or sleek modern options can instantly update your exterior. Look for lighting that complements your home’s style—whether it’s rustic, contemporary, or classic.
Floodlights and Security Lighting: Don’t forget about security lighting! Motion-activated floodlights can increase safety and give buyers peace of mind, especially when strategically placed around the garage or backdoor areas.
Refresh Your Landscaping
A well-maintained lawn and vibrant landscaping are key components of curb appeal. Buyers are naturally drawn to homes with lush greenery and thoughtful landscape design.
Keep the Lawn Tidy: Mow your lawn regularly, trim the edges, and remove weeds to keep your yard looking neat and well-kept. If you have any bald patches in your grass, consider reseeding those areas.
Add Mulch to Flower Beds: Mulch not only helps retain moisture and reduce weeds, but it also gives your flower beds a finished, professional look. Choose a mulch color that complements your home’s exterior—dark brown or black mulch often looks best with neutral siding, while red mulch works well with brick.
Seasonal Planting: Add seasonal flowers to brighten up your yard. In Boise, you might choose hardy perennials like lavender or ornamental grasses, which thrive in Idaho's climate. For seasonal bursts of color, plant annuals such as petunias or marigolds in pots near your entryway.
Trim Overgrown Bushes and Trees: Overgrown bushes and trees can obscure your home and make it look smaller or less inviting. Keep bushes and hedges trimmed neatly and ensure that trees are pruned so they don’t block windows or pathways.
Create a Welcoming Walkway
Your home’s walkway is the first step buyers take toward your door, so it should be welcoming. If your walkway is cracked, uneven, or worn, it’s worth investing in repairs.
Fixing Cracks and Uneven Surfaces: Small cracks in walkways can be repaired with concrete filler or sealant. If your walkway is uneven or poses a tripping hazard, you may need to replace parts of it or re-level the surface.
Paver Stones for a Stylish Touch: For a more decorative look, consider installing paver stones or a stone pathway leading to your door. This not only looks beautiful but also adds value to your home.
Decorative Borders: Adding decorative borders or edging along your walkway can create a more defined and finished look. You can use bricks, stones, or even low-growing plants to create an attractive boundary.
Upgrade Your Garage Door
If your garage is front and center on your home, upgrading the garage door can make a significant difference. In fact, replacing an old garage door with a new, stylish one often offers one of the highest returns on investment for home renovations.
Choosing a New Garage Door: Look for a garage door that complements the architectural style of your home. Carriage-style doors with windows, modern sleek designs, or even wood-look doors can add curb appeal and set your home apart.
A Fresh Coat of Paint: If replacing your garage door isn’t an option, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint. Choose a color that matches or complements your front door and home’s exterior for a cohesive look.
Update or Replace Your Mailbox
Your mailbox may be small, but it’s one of the first things people see when they approach your home. If it’s old, rusted, or damaged, it’s worth replacing.
Stylish Options: Choose a mailbox that suits the style of your home—whether it’s a classic design for a traditional home, a sleek metal option for a modern look, or something rustic for a farmhouse feel.
Landscaping Around the Mailbox: Add a touch of charm by planting flowers or small shrubs around the base of your mailbox. It’s a simple upgrade that can make a big impact.
Make Small Repairs
It’s easy to overlook small repairs, but they can make a significant difference in how your home is perceived. Buyers will notice the details, and chipped paint, broken gutters, or cracked windows can send the message that the home isn’t well-maintained.
Inspect for Minor Damage: Walk around your home and look for small issues that need attention—like peeling paint, loose shingles, or cracks in the foundation. Taking care of these repairs will not only improve curb appeal but also give buyers confidence that your home is in good condition.
Touch-Up Paint: Even if you don’t need a full exterior paint job, touching up areas where paint is chipped or peeling can make your home look fresh and well-cared-for.
Focus on Windows
Windows play a significant role in your home’s curb appeal, and clean, sparkling windows can make a home feel brighter and more inviting.
Clean Inside and Out: Make sure to clean your windows both inside and out to remove dirt, smudges, and streaks. This will make a huge difference, especially on sunny days.
Update Window Treatments: If your curtains or blinds are visible from the outside, make sure they’re in good condition and match the style of your home. Broken blinds or mismatched curtains can detract from the overall look.
Work with a Real Estate Agent
One of the smartest things you can do when trying to boost your home’s curb appeal is to work with a successful local real estate agent. They know what buyers in your area are looking for and can provide personalized advice to help you make the most impactful improvements.
Market Knowledge: An experienced agent will understand what features are most desirable in the Boise market and can guide you on how to prioritize your upgrades.
Pricing Strategy: Your agent can help you determine which improvements will provide the best return on investment and how to price your home competitively once the updates are complete.
FAQs
1. How much does curb appeal affect home value? Curb appeal can significantly impact a home’s value. A well-maintained exterior can increase the home’s perceived value by up to 10%, while a poorly maintained exterior can decrease its value.
2. What’s the most cost-effective way to improve curb appeal? One of the most cost-effective ways to improve curb appeal is by cleaning your home’s exterior and adding fresh landscaping. Simple upgrades like painting the front door and installing new lighting also make a big difference without breaking the bank.
3. How often should I update my home’s exterior? It’s a good idea to inspect your home’s exterior annually to address any minor repairs or maintenance needs. Larger updates, like painting or landscaping, can be done every 5-10 years or as needed.
4. Do I need a professional to help with curb appeal improvements? While some improvements, like painting or planting flowers, can be done yourself, larger projects like installing lighting or replacing windows may require professional help. It’s always a good idea to consult a real estate agent to ensure your efforts will pay off.
5. What are the best plants for curb appeal in Boise? Boise’s climate is ideal for hardy perennials like lavender, echinacea, and ornamental grasses. You can also use annuals like petunias and marigolds for seasonal color.
6. Does landscaping increase home value? Yes, landscaping can increase a home’s value. Well-designed, low-maintenance landscaping can boost the value by 5-12%, depending on the extent of the work.
Conclusion
Improving your home’s curb appeal is one of the best investments you can make when preparing to sell. From simple updates like cleaning, painting, and landscaping to larger projects like replacing windows and upgrading lighting, there are countless ways to make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Working with a successful real estate agent will ensure you’re making the right decisions and getting the most out of your efforts. After all, curb appeal is about creating that all-important first impression—and with these tips, you’ll have buyers eager to see what’s inside.
King & Edge Real Estate Agents in Boise, Idaho
As experienced Boise real estate agents, we are honored to have the opportunity to serve you and be a part of your real estate journey. Let us guide you towards a successful and rewarding experience, where your goals become our goals, and your vision becomes a reality. Contact us today and discover the unparalleled service and expertise that sets King & Edge Real Estate apart as we help you sell your home in Boise or find your place to call home.
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Manda Edge Boise Real Estate Agent
Manda, a Boise resident since 1992, deeply appreciates the charm and seasons of Treasure Valley and possesses extensive knowledge of its growth and market trends. Manda is renowned for her exceptional service, professionalism, communication skills, and integrity in pursuing her clients' goals. In 2021, she co-founded King & Edge Real Estate with Stacey King, emphasizing shared values and strong client relationships. The team has since closed over $100m in sales and donated $100,000+ to local charities. Manda holds memberships with REALM Global and the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and has received multiple awards for her exceptional contributions to real estate, including the 2021 Boise Regional Realtors Professionalism Award.
