Do you suffer from curb envy? Do you want bragging rights for the most inviting home on the block? Have you just moved in, and want to dress the entrance with your own personal style? Or, are you looking to sell, and want to make your home more appealing to potential buyers?

No matter your reason, improving the appearance of your home when viewed from the street level, also known as curb appeal, can be done without breaking the bank.

It can be tempting to look through home improvement websites or Better Homes and Gardens for ideas. However, before making big plans, start with the easy things. You may be surprised at how much difference it makes!

Before Upgrading, Restore

Before spending any money, focus on maintaining the features your home already has. Even a manicured front landscape can go a long way.

• Be sure that your lawn is mowed, trimmed, and edged.
• Make sure landscape bushes or trees have been properly pruned, and
• Remove weeds from walkways and mulched areas. Even a manicured front landscape can go a long way.
• If needed (and it probably is, even if you can’t tell right away), power wash the walkway, sidewalk, and front porch leading up to your home. If you do not own a power washer, paying to have this done is not very expensive, and is absolutely worth paying for.
• How does your brick or siding look? Simply cleaning it can do a lot to improve its appearance.
• A fresh coat of paint on the siding can go a long way towards updating a home’s exterior.
• If your siding is in need of repair or replacement, It’s a good idea to consider getting it done.
• If the roof is a dominant feature of your home’s facade, you might want to consider giving it some love, too. If you plan to sell, a replacement roof may be in order.

Inexpensive Home Updates

Once everything is in great shape again, it’s time to start making some striking visual changes!

• You can really make a statement by painting the front door. Use a contrasting color to draw attention to the home’s entrance, making it feel more inviting.
• Change your address numbers with a new updated font, or bold tones. Get creative!
• Paint or replace your mailbox. This is the first thing visible from the road, so don’t leave it out!
• Update the hardware on your front door. If you’re painting the front door, why not reward the attention it draws with an updated hardware set?
• If your home has shutters, consider painting them, or adding hardware to increase interest. If your home does not have any, you can easily make your own, if cost is a concern. Shutters add character and increase visual interest.
• Plant a tree! A tree in the front yard adds charm, a splash of color, and a sense of permanence. It makes a home feel more homey. Please avoid known invasive species in your region when selecting a tree to plant, and consider what is known to do well where you live. With larger trees, not only does this save you from the burden of excessive maintenance, a healthier tree is a safer tree.
• Is the entry to your home feeling a little sterile, even with the painting door? Consider adding decorative outdoor furniture or planter boxes. These can help extend the “living space” to the outside of the front door, enhancing the welcoming warmth extended to visitors.
• Last, but not least, your porch light fixture may be in need of an update. While you’re at it, consider adding lighting to the yard to enhanced safety and ambience from the road as twilight fades into starlight.

Your Home’s Curb Appeal Is Its First Impression

Making a good first impression is important for forging new relationships, and for others taking you seriously. Your home’s curb appeal the the first impression for visitors, guests, neighbors, and potential buyers (if you’re selling). Your choices for dressing up your home’s curb appeal will ultimately reflect your own personality and outlook.

You don’t have to spend a lot to get a great look, so get started, be mindful of your choices, and have fun! Who knows, you may even make a few friends in the process.

Benchmark Brings You Home.