They say that first impressions are everything. For homeowners/sellers looking to attract buyers, improving a property’s curb appeal is a great place to start. That way, when a buyer drives by, they’re immediately hooked!

Best of all, enhancing your property’s curb appeal doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Owners do not need to invest thousands of dollars in landscaping upgrades to make a difference.

 Here are five cost-effective ways to boost your property’s curb appeal to get you started.

Pressure-Wash the Exterior

Over time, dirt and mildew build up on the outside of a home. It happens little by little, so sometimes it’s hard to notice how bad it’s become. If you don’t already own one, rent a pressure washer and blast all exterior surfaces of your property.  While you’re at it, pressure-wash the front walkways, patios, fences, pool decks, and driveways.

Clean Up the Yard

In the high winds of spring, there is a high chance you’ll see tree limbs down. It’s time to put a dent in the mess with a bit of outdoor clean-up. 

• Pick up loose branches
• Prune shrubs
• Rake leaves and other debris
• Mow the lawn
• Cleanout overgrown gardens

Invest in Lighting

People often tour properties in the evening after work, so you’ll want to be sure that your building is well-lit. You don’t want your home’s best features obscured by shadows. Use a combination of uplighting and downlighting. The two add dimension and depth to a property. Be sure not to overdo it with lighting. Fixtures should create a focal point and a warm, welcoming vibe.

Add Some Color

Make your property pop with a few bursts of color. The spring is a great time to add colorful flowers to your front yard gardens or flower boxes. We also like accenting the front door or walkway with hanging plants.

Make Repairs

Take a step back — literally. Walk across the street and take a good, hard look at your property.  What do you notice? Does the driveway need to be resealed? Are your walkway pavers even? Unsightly tree stumps or cracked pavement can be a major turn-off. Certain areas can really show wear and tear over time.