Killer Curb Appeal: How To Help Your Yard Stand Out

You've probably heard the old adage, “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” That's true of your home too, especially if you're planning on selling anytime soon. If you're looking for a few ways to spruce up the exterior of your home, check out these tips for killer curb appeal.

Pretend You're a Buyer

Start by taking a walk around the perimeter of your home. Be as objective as you can, and make notes of things that would turn you off if you were thinking of buying your home. You might notice things that you've overlooked, like yellow spots in the lawn, dead rose bushes, or even loose siding.

Ask for Help

Sometimes, a second set of eyes can do wonders. If you're considering a serious overhaul, figure out how much you can realistically spend on redoing your yard and get bids from local landscapers who can help you prioritize and decide what to fix (and what you can do yourself).

Pressure Wash the Exterior

According to an article on HGTV.com, one tip homebuyers can't live without is pressure washing the exterior of the home, including the driveway, walkways, filthy siding, and deck. It's a relatively easy and efficient way to spruce up the exterior of the home, and if you don't have a pressure washer lying around, they're inexpensive to rent for the day or the weekend.

Go Solar

Make your yard stand out from all the others on the block with inexpensive solar lights that line the walkway, and edge of the yard, or highlight custom features in your yard. They're readily available, easy to install, and won't break the bank.

Paint the Front Door

One of the easiest ways to add an extra pop to your yard is to paint the front door a unique (but not offensive) color like sage green, red, or pale yellow. According to houselogic.com, a pop of color attracts the eye and can help a home sell faster. Paint typically runs less than $30 a gallon and a fresh coat on the door or shutters will give your home's facade an immediate facelift. You can also get a new mailbox, doormat, or porch light.

Let the Light In

You can do all the yard work you want, but if you have dirty windows obscured by overgrown tree branches it won't matter. Not only will your whole home look cleaner, the extra light will make the inside of your home more inviting. One word of advice, however. Don't do the tree trimming yourself.

Overall, there are tons of things you can do to really help make your yard stand out. Just take the time to do some research and get started on your yard soon.