First impressions count in real estate. With more buyers beginning their search online and driving by listings, an inviting exterior can make your home sell faster and at a higher price.
Why Curb Appeal Matters
- Instantly increases your home’s perceived value.
- Sets your property apart in neighborhoods with similar homes.
- Attracts more foot traffic and online interest.
Affordable Upgrades to Boost Curb Appeal
1. Refresh Landscaping
- Mow, edge, and fertilize the lawn regularly—buyers expect a tidy, green yard.
- Trim shrubs, trees, and overgrown plants—especially near windows and walkways.
- Add pops of color with native flowers or drought-resistant plants like Texas sage, lantana, or black-eyed Susan.
- Mulch flower beds for a clean, finished look.
2. Update the Front Entry
- Paint or stain the front door in a bold, welcoming color (deep red or navy are popular in Texas).
- Replace old house numbers, mailbox, and door hardware with modern fixtures.
- Add a new doormat and a decorative plant or two by the entrance.
3. Exterior Maintenance and Repairs
- Power-wash siding, brick, and pathways to remove dirt and mold.
- Touch up peeling paint on trim, windows, and shutters.
- Repair cracked driveways or broken path stones; patch potholes.
- Clean gutters and downspouts.
4. Enhance Outdoor Living Spaces
- Stage a small seating area with weatherproof chairs and cushions on a porch or patio.
- Hang string lights or lanterns to create a warm atmosphere for evening showings.
- Add shade elements (umbrellas or pergolas) to appeal to buyers seeking outdoor comfort under the Texas sun.
5. Lighting for Nights
- Install solar-powered path lights along walkways and driveways.
- Replace or clean porch lights for a brighter, more inviting entrance.
- Highlight unique landscape elements with uplighting.
Curb Appeal Ideas Specific to Texas Buyers
| Drought-resistant landscaping | Native plants & xeriscaping | Saves water and money; easier maintenance |
| Outdoor living spaces | DIY patio or deck improvements | Entertaining is big in Texas |
| Shaded areas | Add inexpensive sun sails or umbrellas | Offers relief from intense heat |
| Fencing | Repair, paint, or add decorative accents | Privacy and security are valued |
| Mailbox and address numbers | Modernize and clean up | Sharp details signal overall care |
Quick Curb Appeal Checklist
- Mow, weed, and trim lawn and plants
- Paint or clean the front door and entryway
- Wash all windows and exterior lights
- Patch cracks in sidewalks and driveway
- Update outdoor furniture and décor
- Install or refresh landscaping mulch
- Ensure the house number is highly visible
A few affordable, thoughtful updates can show buyers you care for your home and give them confidence about what they’ll find inside. Even minor curb appeal improvements can make your listing shine in a competitive market.
Selden Tual
Rogers Healy and Associates Real Estate
512.944.3121