What is curb appeal?
Curb appeal is how attractive a home looks from the street. It includes everything buyers notice first—lawns, landscaping, the front porch, driveway, and even the front door color. Simply put, curb appeal is the visual first impression your home makes.
How Much Does Curb Appeal Increase Home Value?
Adding curb appeal can significantly increase your home’s value. Studies and real estate professionals consistently point to a correlation between enhanced curb appeal and higher selling prices. Homes with excellent curb appeal can command anywhere 7% to 14% higher prices compared to similar homes with neglected exteriors. This translates to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the initial value of the property. For instance, on a $300,000 home, a 10% increase equates to a $30,000 boost. The impact extends beyond just the selling price. Homes with attractive curb appeal also tend to sell faster, as buyers are more likely to schedule showings and make offers on properties that make a positive first impression.
Why curb appeal matters in selling a home
Curb appeal is more than just a nice exterior. It has a direct impact on how quickly a home sells and the offers it receives. A well-kept exterior signals to buyers that the home has been cared for, which builds trust before they even walk in the door.
Real estate experts often point out that buyers who are impressed by the outside of a home enter with a more positive mindset. On the other hand, if the exterior looks neglected, buyers may assume the inside has similar issues, even if that is not the case.
The role of curb appeal in increasing value
A study in the Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics estimates that curb appeal accounts for up to 7% of a home’s sales price. And landscaping alone can increase the perceived value of a house by roughly 12% according to a report published by Virginia Tech.
While curb appeal helps create an emotional connection with buyers, it also has financial benefits. According to the NAR, an overwhelming 99% of realtors believe curb appeal attracts strong buyers, and improvements can generate roughly 238% return on investment. In many cases, the investment in simple curb appeal improvements more than pays for itself during the selling process.
Deciding what curb appeal improvements to make
When planning curb appeal upgrades, it’s important to focus on improvements that deliver the most impact for the effort and cost. Start by assessing your home from a buyer’s perspective—stand across the street and note what stands out, both positively and negatively.
- Prioritize high-visibility areas: Front doors, walkways, and landscaping are often the first things buyers notice. A fresh coat of paint on the door, clean pathways, and well-maintained plants can go a long way.
- Consider your budget: Some upgrades are inexpensive but noticeable, like adding potted plants, replacing light fixtures, or power-washing siding and sidewalks. Larger projects, such as replacing a driveway or major landscaping changes, may offer higher returns but require more investment.
- Match improvements to your home’s style: Any upgrades should complement your home’s architecture and neighborhood. Overly trendy or mismatched changes can be distracting rather than appealing.
(Color can be distracting)
- Check for quick fixes: Minor repairs like fixing broken gutters, trimming overgrown bushes, replacing worn house numbers, or repairing fences can significantly boost appeal with minimal cost.
- Lean on professionals for guidance: Real estate agents and landscaping professionals can help prioritize upgrades, suggest low-maintenance landscaping, and recommend paint and exterior lighting.
15 Simple, Low‑Cost Ways to Boost Curb Appeal
1. Refresh the front door with paint
A bold, clean color instantly modernizes the entry and signals that the home is well maintained.
2. Add new house numbers
Sleek, modern numbers cost little but dramatically update the façade.
3. Replace or polish the mailbox
A dented or faded mailbox ages the whole property; a new one is a quick win.
4. Install fresh mulch
Mulch makes landscaping look crisp and intentional while hiding bare soil.
5. Add potted plants or seasonal flowers
Containers at the entry add color, life, and symmetry without needing major landscaping.
6. Power‑wash surfaces
Driveways, walkways, siding, and porches look years newer after a simple wash.
7. Upgrade exterior lighting
Swap outdated fixtures for clean, modern ones—or just replace bulbs with warm LEDs.
8. Clean and edge the lawn
A sharp lawn edge along walkways and driveways gives an instant “professionally maintained” look.
9. Add a new welcome mat
It’s inexpensive and sets a friendly tone right at the threshold.
10. Touch up peeling trim or shutters
Small paint fixes prevent the home from looking neglected.
11. Trim overgrown shrubs
Buyers want to see the house—not a hedge swallowing it.
12. Add window boxes
Even simple ones with inexpensive flowers add charm and color.
13. Update door hardware
A new handle set or knocker makes the entry feel fresh and secure.
14. Hide trash and recycling bins
Use a small screen, enclosure, or strategic placement to keep them out of sight.
15. Add simple pathway lighting
Solar stake lights are cheap, easy to install, and create a warm, welcoming glow.
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