How To Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal

Give your house an instant facelift with a fresh coat of paint. If that’s too big an undertaking, even painting the front door can make a huge difference. Choose a dramatic color that still complements the rest of the structure.

Upgrade your entrance with a new doorknob and a matching door knocker. Install a wall-mounted light fixture next to the door. Hang big house numbers that match the architectural style of your home. Replace the mailbox if need be, and roll out a new welcome mat.

Add flowers wherever you can: Flank the front door with pots; plant beds in the front yard; put them in hanging baskets; add window boxes. Choose colors that are bright enough to be seen from a distance. Reinvigorate any existing flower beds with a layer of fresh mulch.

Now that the house looks so inviting, make sure it can be seen! Trim bushes and low-hanging branches, especially if they’re blocking windows.

Sort out your lawn. Edging and striping are two ways to make an ordinary lawn look extraordinary. If you don’t have good grass to work with, consider installing sod.

Rent a power washer to clean the driveway and sidewalk. If the asphalt is cracked and gray, add a fresh coat of black sealer. Now step back and admire your home’s makeover.