The way your home looks from the street—including the landscaping, paintwork, and overall vibe—signals to potential buyers what they might find inside. If the exterior looks neglected or outdated, buyers might not bother to check out the inside, even if it’s beautifully updated. A well-maintained exterior not only invites buyers to look further but also shapes their perception of the home’s value.
In the summer, the importance of curb appeal is even more pronounced. Natural light and greenery can show off your property at its best, making it stand out in a busy market. If you’re wondering how to upgrade your home’s curb appeal, simple touches like a tidy lawn, a fresh coat of paint, and some attractive outdoor furniture can create an inviting look. Since listing photos usually start with shots of the exterior, a good first photo can grab the attention of people browsing online and stop them from skipping your listing. By following these tips, you can boost the selling price and close a sale faster.
Why Curb Appeal Matters More Than You Think
It Pre-Sells the House Online Before Anyone Visits
These days, most buyers meet your home for the first time, not at the curb but on a screen. The first photo is almost always the exterior. That photo doesn’t just make the listing look tidy — it determines whether a buyer books a showing at all. A house with curb appeal often performs better online, generates more showings, and, in competitive markets, may even create a sense of scarcity. Curb appeal helps catch the attention of buyers who might otherwise scroll past.
It Signals That the Seller is Attentive and the Home is Well-Loved
When buyers look at the house, they are also subconsciously sizing up the kind of person who lived there. A home with a well-kept exterior quietly suggests that the sellers have cared for more than just the front yard. It hints at maintained plumbing, serviced heating systems, and roofs that haven’t been left to rot. In contrast, a home with a neglected exterior plants seeds of doubt. Buyers begin to wonder if this is what we can see, what about what we can’t?
It Creates a Sense of Belonging
Buyers are searching for a place that can feel like home. Good curb appeal helps them start imagining everyday life there, like pulling into the driveway after work, hanging a wreath on the garden gate at Christmas, and waving to neighbours on a sunny morning. That sense of familiarity and belonging is often what tips a buyer from interest to action, turning a showing into an offer.
It Affects Buyer Memory After the Viewing
Most sellers don’t realize that the first and last thing buyers will remember is not the kitchen or the bathroom but the approach and the departure. Buyers visit several homes in a short space of time. They may struggle to recall the width of the hallway, but they will know how they felt pulling up to and leaving the home. A house with charm lingers. It’s the one they circle back to later and say, the one with the pretty garden or the one that felt like home.
It Lowers Perceived “Mental Renovation Costs”
Even if buyers plan to change everything, including the garden, the paint, and the fence, they still want it to look fine now. A home with poor curb appeal doesn’t just look neglected — it mentally adds to the buyer’s “to-do” list, even if they were already planning renovations. A buyer may accept they’ll remodel the kitchen, but if the front garden looks like a project, too, it starts to feel overwhelming.
How to Upgrade Your Home’s Curb Appeal
With curb appeal playing such a quiet but powerful role in a sale, the next question is — what can be done to make a difference? Knowing how to upgrade your home’s curb appeal isn’t always about dramatic changes. Here are some practical ways to make sure the first impression is working in your favour.
Checking the Roofline and Eaves
Most sellers don’t even look up, but buyers do. Their eyes naturally scan the gutters, eaves, fascia boards, and roofline as part of their first impression. It’s worth taking the time to inspect these areas closely before listing. Clear out any debris from the gutters, tighten or replace sagging sections, and scrub away moss or algae that may have settled on the roof. A crisp, clean roofline and tidy eaves make the entire front of the home feel sharper and better cared for.
Landscaping for a Lush Look
Give your lawn the attention it needs to stay lush, green, and neatly trimmed. A well-maintained lawn not only looks appealing but is also a big draw for potential buyers. Use eco-friendly fertilizers and keep up with regular weeding and aerating to keep your lawn healthy. Installing a sprinkler system can be a big help during dry spells to keep your grass vibrant.
Plant a variety of seasonal flowers and decorative plants that will bloom in the summer to bring colour and life to your garden beds. For a more lasting solution, plant hardy perennials like coneflowers, hostas and daylilies. These plants can handle the tough Canadian winters and bloom again each summer, which means less replanting for you.
Adding fresh mulch can instantly tidy up your garden beds while helping to retain soil moisture—which is important for plant health. If any trees or bushes have overgrown, trim them back to brighten up your property and keep everything looking neat. Edging your lawn and pathways will sharpen the overall look of your outdoor space, making it more attractive and inviting.
Refreshing Paint and Exterior Details
A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your home’s exterior. Choose colours that complement your home’s style and the natural surroundings. Focus on high-impact areas such as the front door, shutters, and trim. These elements, when freshly painted, can dramatically improve the overall look of your property. Repair or replace any old, rusty, or malfunctioning hardware on doors and windows. The best time to paint is late spring through early fall when weather conditions are typically dry and mild. This helps the paint cure properly and provides the best long-term results. Make sure to properly prep the surfaces, including scraping off any peeling paint and applying a primer if necessary.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Summer is all about outdoor living, so showcasing functional and attractive outdoor spaces can significantly appeal to buyers. If you have a patio, deck, or porch, make sure it’s well-maintained and styled with comfortable seating and decor. Adding potted plants or hanging baskets can enhance the coziness and appeal of these areas. Consider setting up a BBQ area with a small outdoor dining set to help buyers imagine themselves enjoying summer evenings at the house. Stage the space with cushions, throws, and an outdoor rug for a welcoming look, and highlight any built-in features like outdoor kitchens or fire pits.
Lighting the Way
Proper lighting is key to enhancing your home’s curb appeal, especially for evening viewings. Install stylish and functional lighting along pathways, near the entrance, and around key features of your landscaping. Solar-powered lights are a great option for energy efficiency and easy installation. This not only ensures safety but also enhances the architectural features of your home at night. Choose lighting fixtures that complement the style of your home, use spotlights to highlight trees, sculptures, or water features, and ensure all exterior lights are working and replace any burnt-out bulbs.
Maintenance Musts
Keeping up with general maintenance shows potential buyers that the home is cared for. Power wash siding, walkways, and driveways to remove dirt and grime. Clean gutters and check downspouts. Address any minor repairs that could detract from your home’s value or cause concern during inspections. Focus on small details that could signal neglect, like cracked caulking or peeling paint. Repair or replace damaged window screens and door handles, and keep the roof clean and in good condition, as it’s often a major concern for buyers.
Understanding how to upgrade your home’s curb appeal means paying close attention to details and planning strategically. The aim is to make a strong first impression. Start these projects early so that by the time summer arrives, your home is ready to catch the eyes and win the hearts of those searching for their dream home.
Ready to sell your home this summer? With in-depth knowledge and resources, our REMAX agents are well-equipped to help you attract the right buyers and achieve the best possible price. Reach out today.
