What is Curb Appeal? Why It Matters When Selling a Home

Key takeaways

• Curb appeal is the first impression your home makes from the street and includes everything from landscaping to the front entry.
• A home with strong curb appeal attracts more buyers, creates trust, and can lead to higher offers.
• Improving curb appeal does not require major renovations. Simple upgrades like fresh paint, flowers, and good lighting can make a big impact.
• Investing in curb appeal before selling your home can speed up the sales process and increase perceived value.

Selling a home isn’t just about what’s inside—buyers form opinions the moment they see your property from the street. Whether you’re selling your home in St. Paul, MN, or Gilbert, AZ, a strong curb appeal can make your home stand out, inviting buyers to explore further and setting the tone for their first impression.

What is curb appeal? 

Curb appeal is how attractive a home looks from the street. It includes everything buyers notice first—lawns, landscaping, the front porch, driveway, and even the front door color.  Simply put, curb appeal is the visual first impression your home makes.

Why curb appeal matters in selling a home

Curb appeal is more than just a nice exterior. It has a direct impact on how quickly a home sells and the offers it receives. A well-kept exterior signals to buyers that the home has been cared for, which builds trust before they even walk in the door.

Real estate experts often point out that buyers who are impressed by the outside of a home enter with a more positive mindset. On the other hand, if the exterior looks neglected, buyers may assume the inside has similar issues, even if that is not the case.

Read>> Ways to Increase Curb Appeal and Attract Buyers

The role of curb appeal in increasing value

While curb appeal helps create an emotional connection with buyers, it also has financial benefits. According to the NAR, an overwhelming 99% of realtors believe curb appeal attracts strong buyers, and improvements can generate roughly 238% return on investment. In many cases, the investment in simple curb appeal improvements more than pays for itself during the selling process.

Deciding what curb appeal improvements to make

When planning curb appeal upgrades, it’s important to focus on improvements that deliver the most impact for the effort and cost. Start by assessing your home from a buyer’s perspective—stand across the street and note what stands out, both positively and negatively.

• Prioritize high-visibility areas: Front doors, walkways, and landscaping are often the first things buyers notice. A fresh coat of paint on the door, clean pathways, and well-maintained plants can go a long way.
• Consider your budget: Some upgrades are inexpensive but noticeable, like adding potted plants, replacing light fixtures, or power-washing siding and sidewalks. Larger projects, such as replacing a driveway or major landscaping changes, may offer higher returns but require more investment.
• Match improvements to your home’s style: Any upgrades should complement your home’s architecture and neighborhood. Overly trendy or mismatched changes can be distracting rather than appealing.
• Check for quick fixes: Minor repairs like fixing broken gutters, trimming overgrown bushes, replacing worn house numbers, or repairing fences can significantly boost appeal with minimal cost.
• Lean on professionals for guidance: Real estate agents and landscaping professionals can help prioritize upgrades, suggest low-maintenance landscaping, and recommend paint and exterior lighting.

Read>> 7 Ways to Up Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Curb Appeal: Why is it important? 

Curb appeal is not just about making a house look pretty. It is about creating a strong first impression that encourages buyers to see the full potential of a home. Whether through fresh landscaping, a new front door, or simply tidying up, improving curb appeal is one of the smartest steps homeowners can take when preparing to sell.

FAQs: What is curb appeal?

1. What does curb appeal include? 

Curb appeal covers all the visible elements of a home’s exterior such as landscaping, paint, lighting, driveway condition, and front entry details.

2. How much does curb appeal affect selling a home? 

A strong first impression can make buyers more likely to book showings, place higher offers, and view the home as well cared for. It can speed up the selling process and increase perceived value.

3. Do I need to spend a lot to improve curb appeal? 

Not at all. Simple tasks like mowing the lawn, adding flowers, repainting the front door, and cleaning walkways can make a big difference without a major budget.

4. When should I focus on curb appeal? 

Ideally, you should start improving curb appeal before listing your home. Even small updates can create better photos for online listings and draw more buyers to showings.