Curb Appeal That Sells: 12 Easy Fixes You Can Do This Week

The 10-second version

First impressions sell houses. Simple exterior tweaks—clean lawn lines, fresh paint where it counts, crisp lighting—help your photos pop and your in-person showings feel “move-in ready.” National data backs it up: most agents say curb appeal is critical to attracting buyers, and staging often reduces time on market and bumps offers.

What really moves the needle (and why)

1. Lawn + edges = instant order
   Mow, edge sidewalks/drive, blow clippings, and refresh mulch. Black mulch reads “clean” and photographs well. In drought-prone areas, keep things tidy and green where possible (or use neat, low-water plantings).

2. Pressure-wash the grime
   Driveway oil stains, dusty stucco, spider webs around eaves—power washing makes the whole property read newer. Rentals run cheap and hook to a garden hose. 

3. Front door = the handshake
   A well-painted door signals care. Studies tie black or slate-blue doors to higher buyer appeal and, in some analyses, a price premium compared to other colors. (If your interior isn’t modern, skip trend whiplash—choose a neutral that fits the home.)

4. Lighting for safety + vibe
   Replace burnt bulbs, clean glass, and add simple path lights. Uplighting on trees/entry adds “evening wow” in listing photos and twilight showings.

5. Windows that sparkle
   Wash inside/out, remove screens for photos, and polish the front window metal. Buyers read “bright + maintained.”

6. Numbers + hardware
   Swap tired house numbers, mailbox, and door hardware for a matching set (matte black or brushed). Small cost, huge coherence.

7. Paint the right surfaces—not all of them
   Target the front door, trim, fascia, and shutters before full-house paint. If you do paint large areas, plan neutral, friendly tones; full repaints vary widely in cost—don’t overspend where wash/patch/trim will do.

8. Porch moments
   Stage a tidy mat, two planters, and a simple bench. Skip heavy holiday themes while listed.

9. Backyard counts
   Keep lawns trimmed, patios cleared, and toys/tools corralled. Buyers imagine lifestyle back there as much as the front.

10. Season-smart plants
    Use in-season color and low-maintenance greens. Too much landscaping = “weekend work” in the buyer’s mind.

11. Staging synergy
    Exterior polish + basic staging often shortens time on market and can nudge offers up (1–10% lift reported in recent NAR staging surveys; results vary by price point).

12. Focus on ROI, not renovations
    Standard lawn care and tidy landscaping frequently recover a high share of cost at resale compared with big projects; start outside where the camera looks first.

60-Minute Front-Yard Sprint (before photos/showings)

• 10 min: Edge walkways/drive, blow debris.

• 10 min: Sweep porch, shake out/replace doormat.

• 10 min: Wipe the front door + hardware.

• 10 min: Swap bulbs, clean porch sconce glass.

• 10 min: Quick window wipe at entry.

• 10 min: Straighten hose, trash bins out of sight, tuck packages.

Budget-wise: Good/Better/Best

Good (under ~$150): mulch top-off, new mat, fresh bulbs, metal polish, address numbers.

Better ($150–$600): power-wash rental, path lights, two large planters, door paint.

Best ($600–$2,500+): trim/prune service, partial trim repaint, window cleaning service, selective landscape refresh.

SGV seller notes (Glendora • Azusa • Ontario)

• Sun + dust: Prioritize wash and door/trim paint—UV ages colors fast here.

• Drought: Go for neat, low-water plantings and clean lines over thirsty lawns.

• Evening showings: Add pathway/uplights; twilight photos perform.

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  FAQ

  Does curb appeal really matter?
  Yes. A large majority of REALTORS® say curb appeal is important to attract buyers, and many recommend exterior fixes before listing. National Association of Realtors+1

  Is a black front door still a thing?
  Research suggests black or slate-blue doors can increase buyer appeal and are associated with higher sale prices vs. some other colors. Pick a tone that fits your façade. Zillow MediaRoom+1

  Should I repaint the whole house?
  Not always. Start with cleaning, trim/door touch-ups, and small hardware swaps. Save full repaint for peeling, mismatched, or heavily weathered exteriors. Homes.com

  Will staging help?
  NAR’s 2025 Profile of Home Staging notes price lifts (often 1–10%) and reduced days on market for staged homes, depending on market/price. National Association of Realtors

Ready for a quick curb-appeal game plan?

Text “Curb Appeal” and I’ll send a 1-page checklist, my preferred vendor list, and a 7-day prep calendar tailored to your address.