5 Curb Appeal Basics You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Mission style Stained wood front door with beveled glass surrounded by two Adirondack chairs and flowers

Buyers start forming a first impression as they drive up to your home, so here are five curb appeal basics you can’t afford to ignore.

5 Curb Appeal Basics You Can’t Afford to Ignore

First things first: you have to clean up your yard before you list your home for sale. That means removing toys, tools and other items that belong in the shed, cutting the grass, power washing your driveway and sidewalk, and conducting general maintenance around flowerbeds and bushes.

But you can take things a step farther (and impress buyers more) by putting these five curb appeal basics to use:

  1. Invest in a new mailbox and house numbers
  2. Dress up your hardware
  3. Create a comfy space on the porch
  4. Update your lighting
  5. Make an “instant garden”

Scroll down for a closer look at each.

Basic Curb Appeal Tip #1: Invest in a New Mailbox and House Numbers

If your mailbox isn’t fairly new, consider replacing it. The same goes for your house numbers, which should match your home’s exterior style and be clearly visible from the road so buyers can find it easily. Just be sure to check with your homeowners association (if you have one) so you remain within its guidelines.

Related: The three things that are making your home look old

Basic Curb Appeal Tip #2: Dress Up Your Hardware

Give your front door a style boost by investing in a new door handle and deadbolt. Match it to your house numbers and the other hardware on your porch to create a streamlined look that buyers will love.

Basic Curb Appeal Tip #3: Create a Comfy Space on Your Porch

Your front porch can serve as an extension of the indoor living space, so show buyers that it’s a great place to spend time. You can do that by adding comfortable seating gathered around a small table. You don’t have to be traditional, either; you can install a porch swing or a pair of rocking chairs. The main point is to show buyers that they may enjoy spending time on the porch after they purchase your home.

Related: Moving with a dog? Here’s how to pull it off

Basic Curb Appeal Tip #4: Update Your Lighting

At the bare minimum, you should clean your porch’s light fixture thoroughly before you list your home for sale. If the fixture has seen better days, replace it. You should also pay attention to the other lighting in your landscaping; if you have lights illuminating your sidewalk, uplighting your trees, or anywhere else, make sure that all the bulbs are in good shape and that everything’s working properly.

Basic Curb Appeal Tip #5: Make an Instant Garden

Adding a container garden or beautiful potted plants can make a huge difference in the way buyers see your home. You can place them in strategic locations around your yard for maximum curb appeal.

Related: The best home office upgrades to make when you’re selling your home

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Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac on Jasper’s desirable west side, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 3-bath home offers comfort, convenience, and style—all in one perfect package. From the moment you arrive, the fresh landscaping and inviting curb appeal draw you in. Step onto the welcoming covered front porch, and enter into a spacious foyer that opens up to a bright 17' x 17' living room with cathedral ceilings, creating a warm and open feel.  The eat-in kitchen, updated in June 2022, features stunning Quartz countertops and backsplash, a new sink and disposal, and upgraded appliances installed in August 2023—perfect for any culinary enthusiast.  A split floor plan offers added privacy, with the spacious owner's suite boasting a large walk-in closet and a newly installed cultured marble walk-in shower with glass doors (June 2024). Two additional bedrooms and a full bath are located on the opposite side of the home. Head downstairs to a fully finished basement that’s an entertainer’s dream. Enjoy a custom bar, expansive rec room ideal for movie nights or ping pong, a full bath, a dedicated office area, a bonus room currently used as a fourth bedroom, and a generous storage room with built-in shelving. Outdoor living is just as impressive with a maintenance-free deck and screened porch, offering the perfect spot to relax and unwind. A 2-car attached garage and spacious driveway provide ample parking. Additional Features & Updates: Roof & tankless on-demand water heater – June 2020 Kitchen appliances & washer/dryer – August 2023 Furnace with Ecobee Premium SmartSensor thermostat – February 2024 New sump pump – April 2025 Jambini magnetic cabinet locks – June 2020 This move-in-ready home has it all—modern updates, versatile living spaces, and a peaceful yet convenient location. $329,700 Active

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Listing courtesy of Brenda Welsh from SELL4FREE-WELSH REALTY CORPORATION.

Situated on a .47 acre corner lot is this "move in ready" 1258 sq. ft. ranch style home featuring an attractive stone and vinyl exterior. Features include an open concept floor plan with a neutral decor throughout including laminate and ceramic tile floors and carpeting in all bedrooms. This home offers 3 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms with wider doorways. The extra large 25X27 attached garage is heated and cooled and includes a work bench area and cabinets. There is a rear covered porch and an additional patio with a pergola, and a 10X12 storage building. The driveway offers a back-out space for extra parking and ease of exiting the driveway as well as a new RV parking pad. Also included is an underground invisible pet fence.  Additional updates include all LED lighting and new carpeting in all 3 bedrooms as well as a new range in the kitchen. All kithcen appliances as well as the washer and dryer are included along with custom window shades. $262,900 Active

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