5 ways to boost curb appeal

You’re ready to make the leap and start designing your dream home. The checks are signed, deposit is made, floor plan is chosen, but there’s just one thing standing in your way: your current abode. It needs some work, no doubt, but what are the most important things to update to get that instant curb appeal, setting it apart from other properties in your area?

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Here are five of our favorite easy updates that won’t break the bank.

Tidy Up! Many families opt for using the garage door as the home’s main entrance, but delivery drivers, pizza guys, and solicitors still access your front door. You’d be surprised how quickly little pieces of paper, delivery post-its, phone books and flyers pile up. Take a day and make sure the porch is clean and tidy. This will give guests a clear, clean view of your home.

Scrub-a-dub! Grab a broom, rent a power washer, and stock up on Windex. Start by giving siding a good power wash, removing dirt and grime and animal/bug debris. The power washer is also helpful for removing weeds from driveway cracks, so keep it handy if need be. Once the house has dried off, use a push broom to remove debris from your front porch, patio, walkways and driveway. After you’re done, clear off those windows, as this will let more unfiltered, natural light into your home.

Paint. You don’t have the paint the whole house (unless you want to), but a new coat of paint on your front door will do wonders for the overall appearance. Opt for a similar color to what you have, or spice things up with a dark blue or brick red for extra pizazz.

Grab some mulch. It’s amazing how a coating of mulch can completely transform the outside of your home. Just add a 2” layer around all flowerbeds, mailboxes, and trees about two weeks before your first showing. Mulch also helps trap in moisture, so you’ll be doing what bushes and flowers you have planted a favor, giving them a much-needed boost. If you have a lot to cover, consider purchasing mulch in bulk as this will be cheaper in the long run.

Plant TLC. Overgrown yards are not attractive, we all know that, but trees and shrubs can really add to the overall appeal of your home if they’re cut properly. Make sure branches aren’t touching the home (as this can actually cause siding damage and a gateway for critters to enter your home), and bush height should never overshadow a window, hindering natural light indoors.