DIY Curb Appeal You Can Tackle

Making a good first impression counts. Potential buyers drive through neighborhoods trying to get a feel for the community. Ensure these homebuyers like what they see and want to tap the brakes to get a better look at your home.

An attractive home exterior is the first impression of your home. Clean, tidy, and attractively landscaped (yes, even colorful potted plants on the porch count) are going to tip the scales in your favor.

Step 1: Look at the Exterior of Your Home with a Critical Eye

If you stand in front of your home and see weeds and an overgrown lawn, make plans to tackle these things sooner rather than later. Are the shrubs a bit overgrown and covering the windows? Trim them back. Prune back any low hanging branches that touch the house. The key is to allow light inside your home and remove any obstructions from the windows.

Weed-free flowerbeds are always appreciated. Homebuyers like to see well-maintained landscapes. If the mulch is looking tired, go ahead and add fresh mulch. Foliage will look healthier and brighter.  

Maintaining weekly lawn maintenance while your home is listed is important. For a professional look, take the time to edge your lawn and rake the grass clippings to make your lawn picture-perfect.

When was the last time you washed the sidewalk, driveway, or porch areas? Get out your garden hose to wash away any collected dirt or leaves. If you have a power wash, use it. If not, the garden hose will help brighten up things.

Take care of any minor cracks in the walkway or driveway by patching or resealing. If you notice any loose bricks, make repairs.

Step 2: Accent with Color

Flowers in bloom can be bought to add color to your porch and walkway areas. If your listing date doesn’t fall in the range for planting perennial plants, choose colorful annuals.

Don’t forget to add a wreath or other door decoration to your front door. You may even consider repainting your front door to a bold, complimentary color.

Look for other touches of color you could include such as repainting your mailbox to brighten it, using colorful pots on the porch, or accenting with cushions in fun prints.  

Step 3: Adding Shine & Space

Clean window and door glass will make your home shine. Not only will clean glass allow more natural light in, it will look good from the outside. First, use the garden hose to wash away the loose dirt, grime, and cobwebs then follow up with your favorite window cleaner or use diluted vinegar. Don’t forget to wash the garage windows, too.   

Move your vehicles inside the garage to show how much space is available in the driveway. And while you’re moving things, relocate the garbage cans to the side of the house instead of leaving them in the driveway.

If you’re unsure where to begin, ask your REALTOR®. I’m happy to help you make your property show its best. Contact me any time with your questions.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers and was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020 citywide. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.