Now is a strategic time to list your home. While today’s balanced-to-buyer-leaning market feels different from the rapid-bidding frenzies of recent years, demand remains steady for well-maintained, competitively priced properties. Buyers are far more selective, meaning the strategy of listing a home “as-is” without basic updates or repairs rarely yields top dollar anymore.
If you want to stand out, maximize your ROI, and sell quickly this season, presentation is everything. Highlighting vibrant colors, ensuring warm lighting, and maintaining clean, crisp landscaping will make your home pop in listing images and online.
Here are five simple, curb appeal hacks to boost your online traffic, attract serious buyers, and sell your home faster this season:
1. Tidy up the groundcover
The first thing you should do to enhance your curb appeal is clean up your groundcover. Pristine landscaping shows well in professional real estate photos.
Start by pulling weeds and laying down a new weed barrier in areas you plan to cover with fresh mulch. Additionally, mow and edge your lawn the day before your scheduled photoshoot.
2. Prune the hedges and trees
Next, focus on any unruly foliage that takes away from your curb appeal. If your hedges or trees are overgrown, they will feel and look heavier in listing images.
You can maintain your hedges by hand-pruning and shearing throughout the year. And when it comes to trees, pruned trees are more appealing, healthy, and proportional.
Here are five tips on how to trim hedges.
3. Paint the exterior
A fresh coat of exterior paint is likely the top way to enhance your curb appeal. Painting the exterior of your home allows you to partake in the latest real estate trends.
You can find trends by reviewing newly sold and listed homes on Zillow, searching for exterior paint trends on Pinterest, or simply driving around your neighborhood. Paint companies, like Behr, offer trend reports both on their website and at home improvement stores.
When painting your home, make sure to select the correct sheen for each surface—for example, reserve semi-gloss and hi-gloss sheens for trim, shutters, and garage doors. Use flat and satin sheens for the main body of the home. Here’s a guide on different paint sheens and where to use them.
4. Pressure wash the pavement
If you have time before hiring a real estate photographer, pressure washing your driveway, sidewalk, and any other pavement can further enhance curb appeal. Pressure washing removes build-up and grime that can accumulate, but it can also damage concrete if done too frequently.
5. Add potted plants
This last hack makes curb appeal pop. Before listing your home and even before hiring a real estate photographer, add beautiful potted plants to your porch. Potted flowers and leafy plants are inviting and warm. Potted plants are an affordable way to add curb appeal if you’re on a budget. Additionally, you can take your potted plants with you after you sell!
You can sell your home faster by boosting your curb appeal. Consider the five easy and affordable curb appeal hacks above to help your home stand out both in listing images and at in-person showings.
