With spring here and the busiest real estate season just around the corner, now is the time to maximize your home’s curb appeal. Curb appeal is the first impression your home makes on potential buyers. Often, buyers will do an initial drive by before attending your open house or scheduling an appointment to view your home. If you make a great first impression, they will want to see more. Alternatively, if your home makes a negative first impression, there is a chance that they will simply forego viewing your home all together.

Nurture Your Lawn and Flowerbeds

While you likely don’t have a lush green lawn at this time of year, it’s still important that you mow the lawn and get rid of all of the debris that has accumulated over the winter. Further, adding a thick layer of mulch is an excellent way to conserve moisture and add protection to your soil. Weed all of your home’s flowerbeds and remove last year’s dead perennials and replace them with an assortment of colourful flowers. This will instantly add a visual punch to your home’s exterior and create a sense of warmth.

Trim Branches, Hedges, and Shrubs

Ensure that no shrubs or tree branches are obstructing potential buyers’ view of your home. If you see any low-hanging branches or overgrown hedges, cut them back so that the exterior of your home is clearly visible from the street.

Clean Out Your Gutters

Unclean, cluttered gutters give the impression that your home has been neglected and could potentially be hiding costly repairs. To avoid this, clear your gutters of any debris that has accumulated over the fall and winter seasons. Make sure you give your gutters a thorough wipe-down afterward. Doing so will make it look as though your home has been well maintained.

Create a Welcoming Entrance

Brighten up your front door with a fresh coat of paint and a new, welcoming mat. Further, if you have a front porch that is large enough, arrange a few pieces of furniture on it – such as a bistro table and chairs or a cushioned bench seat with a coffee table. Doing so will help increase your home’s overall welcoming factor. Ensure that your home’s accessories are modern and appealing by updating your address number and mailbox.

Make an Impact at Night by Installing Lights

Adding lights to the front of your home makes a dramatic impact in the evenings. Purchase some solar lights that are both energy-wise and aesthetically pleasing, and line them along the side of your driveway, or in your garden. Another great way to use lights is to install spotlights above or below strategic architectural areas you want to highlight.

Add Colour with Plant Pots

A good way to boost the exterior beauty of your home is to fill vibrant pots with fresh spring flowers and place them on your porch, or along the sides of your front steps.

Replace Your Windows

Old and dated windows make a negative impression on homebuyers. Not only are they unattractive, but they can also cost thousands of dollars per year in energy loss. Replacing your old windows with new, stylish and energy efficient windows can instantly increase both your home’s curb appeal and sales value.

Dress Up Your Windows

One of the easiest ways to enhance the look of your home is to clean your windows and repair any rips in your window screens. Depending on the style of your home, you may also choose to add shutters and window boxes,  filling them with vibrant, fresh flowers. Finally, you might want to purchase new blinds or curtains that complement both the interior and exterior of your home.

 Fix Your Driveway

Repair any cracks and stains and remove any vegetation that has grown in over the winter. After you have finished repairing the driveway, dress it up by adding a new coat of sealer and if room permits, consider widening your driveway by adding flagstones, brick or paving stones.