Maintaining a home exterior that looks welcoming is a worthy goal on its own, but can be even more crucial if you know you want to sell your home in the future. The entrance to your home is the first view a visitor will see upon arrival and first impressions are important. Looking for new ways to improve your home’s curb appeal is a great way to set a positive tone for any visitor’s experience.

Give everything a good washing

Keeping the exterior of your home clean goes past simple tidying. Washing windows is a great place to start, especially since a clean window can be enjoyed both inside and outside your home. If your driveway, sidewalks, or even the siding on your home is stained, consider renting a pressure washer and power washing on a weekend when the weather is nice. You might not realize how leaves, pollen, rain, or snow have affected your home’s appearance until after you’ve cleaned.

Once you’re on a cleaning kick, consider assessing your gutters and roof for cleanliness, too. Getting rid of sticks and leaves that cause drainage issues is a great opportunity to determine if you need to replace shingles in addition to confirming that your roof needs no other repairs.

Refresh your colors with paint

A fresh coat of paint can make all kinds of surfaces look new, even if you’re not changing up your colors. Repainting your home’s exterior is one way to make it look brighter and more inviting. Spot touching scuff marks, especially on your garage door can help with positive first impressions. Looking for a smaller project? Try a new color on your front door. Whether you choose a neutral color that matches your existing style or a bold color that stands out, a new paint job is an easy weekend project to improve your curb appeal.

Add character to your mailbox & house numbers

It’s easy to forget about small touches like your mailbox or house numbers, but they can go a long way when they look nice. Making sure they’re free from cobwebs and dirt is a great place to start. If any of your exterior features face the sun during the day, the color might have faded, so consider replacing or repainting what you have. Don’t forget to see how it looks at night and from different angles!

Decorate for style and comfort

Decorations don’t have to be just for the holidays. Starting with a wreath on your front door can showcase your personality (like your monogram or a hobby), sync with the season (seashells for summer or leaves for fall), or otherwise help someone feel welcomed into your home as they enter. Same goes for switching up a welcome mat! Plus, having at least one other mat available allows you to wash or clean one without leaving your doorstep bare. If you have a porch, try adding a swing or furniture for seating! Not only can this make your home look more welcoming, but it also creates another space for you to enjoy your home.

Illuminate your home at night

Adding lighting flourishes to your home’s exterior can be as simple or as complex as you’d like it to be! Porch lights, or other fixtures attached to your home can make it easier to see your house numbers in the dark. Small solar-powered pathway lights look nice and can help make walking outside easier at night, too. While you’re planning and again before you finish, stand across the street from your home in the front and from different sides to make sure your address is always visible.

Increase your greenery

Regular lawn maintenance is a great way to ensure your home masters the curb appeal basics. This includes regular mowing and weeding, but you can elevate your front yard with flowers and shrubbery. If you have a front porch, try bringing your garden to your doorstep with a potted plant or two. Even plant boxes on windows or porch railings can add magic to your home’s appearance.