A good first impression is essential when it comes to selling a home, and that first impression is going to be made by the home's exterior. Before putting a home on the market, the homeowner should consider its curb appeal. Does the home look fantastic, or could it use some fixing up?
Curb appeal helps make buyers want to see more of a home, so it shouldn't be pushed aside. If you’re not sure where to start, you can start here.
Quick Ways to Boost Curb Appeal
- Mow the lawn
- Edge trim
- Remove clutter and dead plants
- Trim shrubs
- Add potted plants
- Add mulch
- Repaint or refresh siding
- Paint the front door
- Update house numbers
- Power/pressure wash driveways, sidewalks, and walkways
- Use simple hardscaping/stepping stones
- Add solar lighting along walkways
- Replace/clean doormat
- Refresh/paint the mailbox
What Is Curb Appeal?
Curb appeal is the attractiveness of a property and its surroundings when viewed from the street curb. It's the first impression potential buyers get when they drive by or arrive for a viewing or, perhaps even more importantly, scroll past an online listing. Not taking the time to address it is a big mistake when selling.
The landscaping, front entrance, and condition of the paint or siding are some of the biggest factors of curb appeal. This initial visual appeal is crucial as it sets the tone for the rest of the home tour, influencing buyers' perceptions and potentially increasing the property's value.
A home with strong curb appeal can make a powerful statement, showcasing well-maintained landscaping, a clean exterior, and inviting entryways. A buyer who sees these automatically assumes that the rest of the home is in the same great condition, even in areas they can't see. In contrast, peeling paint or deferred maintenance on the outside can cast a shroud of doubt on even the most well-maintained interior spaces.
Enhancing curb appeal is an essential step for sellers looking to make their homes stand out in a competitive market.
How to Add Curb Appeal
Adding curb appeal is important, but how do you go about it? Here are a few basic curb appeal ideas to get you started.
1. Take Care of the Lawn
For most people, mowing the lawn is a normal part of a home's weekly chores. However, when selling a home, the lawn should be given some extra attention because buyers love to see a healthy green lawn. Taking care of the lawn not only includes regularly mowing it, but also fertilizing it when necessary. Fortunately, when it comes to fertilizing, a lawn will usually only require it once or twice a year, depending on the type of fertilizer being used.
When mowing the lawn, be careful not to mow it too often or too short, because this can lead to what's known as scalping, which can potentially kill the lawn. If you're in a time crunch, fresh sod might be in order.
Just like decluttering the inside of your home, take care to keep your lawn tidy, too. Keep the edges trimmed, rake up any leaves, and stow away kids' toys, gardening tools, and other loose objects. Dead or dying plants should be removed, and possibly replaced if they're critical to the overall appearance. If you have a collection of garden gnomes or similarly whimsical decor, consider relocating them to depersonalize your home's first impression.
2. Repaint the Siding
For homeowners who want to update their home's look and make it sleek and modern, painting or replacing the siding can have a big impact. Especially if the old paint is chipping off or peeling, has weather damaged, or even just looks faded, putting a new coat of paint up can do wonders to freshen everything up.
Don't forget to clean out your gutters while you're up there!
3. Power Wash the Sidewalks and Driveway
It doesn't take much for cement to get discolored. Between the weather and being walked on, driveways, walkways, and sidewalks get dirty, and when they get dirty, they don't look like they're being cared for. In order to clean cement, homeowners can hire a service to power wash it for them or buy/rent the necessary tools at a hardware store to do it themselves.
Either way, power washing the cement surrounding a home can show buyers that the owner cares about all aspects of the property, and that's always a good impression to give.
4. Tend the Gardens
Gardens are one of the most visible parts of a home's exterior, so it's important that they look good. If you don't have a garden yet, you might consider adding one, landscaping has a high ROI when it comes to selling your home.
There are many ways to customize a garden, but it's best to use options that are appealing to a wider audience. That way, the garden won't put off buyers who are looking for something low-maintenance. Here are some ways to improve a garden:
- Remove any dead or dying plants.
- Add a layer of woodchips or mulch to help prevent weed growth and make the beds look cleaner.
- Use stepping stones and hardscaping to create negative space.
- Plant low-maintenance native plants.
- Use bushes and shrubs to fill space instead of flowers.
Ornate gardens can be beautiful, but are often intimidating to buyers who only see the maintenance requirements. If you're adding plants to beautify the space before selling, choose the species wisely. And don't worry about extensive landscaping or filling the garden to the brim a clean minimalist garden will usually look better than one that's full, but has little planning.
Cheap Curb Appeal Projects
Boosting your home's curb appeal doesn't have to break the bank. There are plenty of affordable ways to enhance the exterior of your property, making it more inviting and attractive to potential buyers. Here are some fast, cost-effective, and DIY-friendly projects to get you started:
- Freshen Up the Front Door: Fresh paint on the front door can make a significant difference. A bold color can turn your front door into a focal point, while a more muted one will still look nice. You'll typically need about a quart of exterior paint and primer, which you can often find around $25 or less.
- Add Potted Plants: Place potted plants or flowers on your front porch or entryway to add a touch of greenery and color. If you're new to gardening, don't worry; there are a lot of ways to make this a low-commitment task. A small pot of bright annuals at a hardware store or garden center will usually run you less than $10, though you may want to buy a more attractive container as well.
- Upgrade House Numbers: Replace old, faded house numbers with new, stylish ones for a quick and easy update. Each number will only cost a few dollars.
- Pressure Wash Surfaces: As mentioned earlier, rent or borrow a pressure washer to clean your driveway, walkways, and the exterior of your home. Stores like Home Depot usually rent suitable models for less than $100/day.
- Trim and Prune: Keep your lawn, bushes, and trees well-trimmed to give your front yard a tidy appearance. Don't leave this too late, though, or your bushes will look bald; the new leaves will need some time to grow in. If you don't have hedge shears, budget around $40, or ask a neighbor if you can borrow theirs.
- Add Outdoor Lighting: Install solar-powered pathway lights or lanterns to enhance the look of your home in the evening. Inexpensive sets of four to six can run less than $30.
- Decorate with a Doormat: A fresh, clean doormat can add a welcoming touch to your front entry and will cost you around $20 or less.
- Paint the Mailbox: Give your mailbox a fresh coat of paint, or replace it if it's in poor condition. A can of suitable spray paint usually costs less than $10.
These simple and affordable improvements can greatly enhance your home's curb appeal, making it more attractive to prospective buyers without a large investment.
Common Curb Appeal Mistakes
Even with the best intentions, it's easy to make mistakes when improving your home's curb appeal. Some upgrades backfire, others waste money, and some can actually keep your house from selling.
Ignoring Basic Repairs
You can have the most beautiful garden in the neighborhood, but it won't matter if your gutters are falling off or your paint is peeling. Buyers notice broken things immediately cracked windows, damaged roof shingles, a wobbly mailbox.
These issues signal neglect. If obvious problems aren't fixed, buyers assume you've skipped maintenance on things they can't see too.
Overdoing Personal Style
That hot pink front door might be your favorite, but it's not everyone's cup of tea. Choose paint colors that will appeal to the widest range of buyers. The same goes for elaborate garden decorations or highly personalized features.
Keep it neutral when selling. Your goal is helping buyers picture themselves living there, not showcasing your unique personality. Save the self-expression for your next home.
Letting Weeds Take Over
Nothing says "I've given up" quite like weeds sprouting everywhere. Even with a perfectly mowed lawn, weeds in flower beds or between pavers make the whole property look neglected.
Pull them. It takes 20 minutes and costs nothing. If you're short on time, add a fresh layer of mulch to cover problem areas. Buyers won't see what's underneath, and your beds will look intentional.
Neglecting the Front Entry
Many sellers focus entirely on the lawn and forget about the actual entry. Peeling paint on the door, an old worn doormat, cobwebs around the porch light—these small details matter more than you'd think.
Buyers walk through that door. Make it welcoming. A new doormat costs $20. Fresh paint runs about $30. There's no reason for a sad-looking entryway when fixes are this affordable.
Adding Features That Require Constant Upkeep
Installing a water feature, rose garden, or elaborate landscape design might look impressive now, but buyers are thinking about maintenance. They're imagining themselves cleaning that fountain weekly, deadheading those roses, or paying a landscaper to keep everything looking perfect.
Most buyers want curb appeal that's easy to maintain. Stick with improvements that look good without demanding hours of weekly work.
How Much Value Does Curb Appeal Add?
Good curb appeal can significantly increase home value. Studies have shown that homes with strong curb appeal can sell faster and at higher prices compared to similar homes with less attractive exteriors.
More than 70% of real estate agents report clients passing on a home for bad curb appeal, and nearly a third claim value increases of up to 20%. A much more conservative estimate is between 5%–11%, but that's still a hefty chunk of change on a transaction as big as a home sale. And, of course, homes that start with poor curb appeal will benefit more than homes that are already looking great.
Several factors contribute to this increase in value. Homes with strong curb appeal stand out in listings and are more likely to attract interest from buyers, as they often judge a property within seconds of seeing it. An attractive exterior can set a positive tone for the rest of the home tour while increasing competition and driving up the sale price. Plus, buyers are more likely to form an emotional connection with a home that looks inviting and well-loved, making them more willing to pay a premium.
Explore Curb Appeal Ideas for Your Home
A home's curb appeal is what is going to create first impressions with buyers, so it's important to spend time working on it. Investing in curb appeal improvements can yield a high return on investment, making it a smart strategy for sellers looking to maximize their home's value.
More importantly, poor curb appeal can and will hurt your home sale. You don't have to go all out and design an outdoor living space; simple updates like landscaping, painting, and cleaning can go a long way in boosting both curb appeal and property value—even completing just one of these projects can help a home attract buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does curb appeal really increase home value?
Yes. Strong curb appeal can increase a home's perceived value and attract more buyers. Homes with attractive landscaping, a well-maintained exterior, and a welcoming entrance often sell faster and may receive higher offers than comparable homes with poor curb appeal.
How much value does curb appeal add to a home?
While the exact amount varies by location and property condition, studies suggest that good curb appeal can increase a home's value by 5% to 11%. In competitive New Jersey real estate markets, first impressions can significantly influence buyer interest and offer prices.
What are the most affordable ways to improve curb appeal?
Some budget-friendly curb appeal improvements include:
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Fresh mulch in garden beds
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Seasonal flowers and plants
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Pressure washing walkways and siding
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Repainting the front door
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Updating house numbers and exterior lighting
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Keeping the lawn trimmed and healthy
What exterior upgrades provide the best return on investment?
High-ROI curb appeal projects include:
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Replacing the front door
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Installing a new garage door
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Updating exterior lighting
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Professional landscaping
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Fresh exterior paint
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Repairing walkways and driveways
Does landscaping increase home value?
Yes. Well-designed landscaping can increase a home's value and make it more attractive to buyers. Mature trees, healthy lawns, colorful plantings, and neatly maintained gardens create a positive first impression and improve overall property appearance.
How important is curb appeal when selling a house?
Curb appeal is extremely important because it creates a buyer's first impression. Many buyers decide whether they are excited about a home within seconds of arriving. Strong curb appeal can encourage more showings, generate greater interest, and potentially lead to stronger offers.
What should homeowners focus on before listing their home?
Before listing a home, sellers should focus on:
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Lawn maintenance
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Landscaping cleanup
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Front door appearance
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Exterior paint touch-ups
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Window cleaning
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Power washing surfaces
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Roof and gutter maintenance
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Exterior lighting upgrades
Does curb appeal matter in New Jersey?
Absolutely. In sought-after New Jersey communities such as Short Hills, Millburn, Summit, Westfield, Chatham, and Berkeley Heights, curb appeal can help a home stand out in a competitive market and attract serious buyers looking for well-maintained properties.
What is the first thing buyers notice about a house?
Most buyers first notice the front yard, landscaping, driveway, exterior condition, and front entrance. A clean, attractive exterior signals that the home has been well cared for and can positively influence buyers before they even step inside.
Should I invest in curb appeal before selling my home?
In most cases, yes. Relatively inexpensive improvements can often deliver a strong return by increasing buyer interest, reducing time on market, and helping your home command a higher sale price.
Sell Your Home with Confidence. Contact Katherine Barrera at 732.423.3062 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a stress-free home selling experience with the best real estate agent in New Jersey.