What do buyers notice first about a home?

Not the kitchen. Not the flooring. It's the outside—your front yard, your porch, your landscaping. First impressions matter, especially in real estate, and summer is the perfect season to give your home’s curb appeal a glow-up.

Whether you're planning to sell soon or just want to be the envy of the block, sprucing up your exterior can increase your home’s value, attract more buyers, and even make you fall in love with your home all over again.

"You don't need a major renovation to make your home stand out,” says Peter Klein, Team Leader of Tress Homes. “With a few smart updates, your curb appeal can go from forgettable to fantastic—and that’s what gets people through the front door.”

In this article, we’ll share simple, affordable ways to elevate your home’s exterior—without needing a green thumb or a big budget.

Why Curb Appeal Matters (Especially in Summer)

During the summer months, more buyers are out and about. Homes are shown in the best possible light—literally. With the sun shining and flowers blooming, this is your moment to let your home's beauty shine too.

Improving curb appeal helps:

• Attract More Buyers: First impressions are instant. A welcoming exterior draws buyers in and sets the tone for the whole tour.
  

• Increase Perceived Value: A well-maintained front yard signals a well-cared-for home—potentially justifying a higher asking price.
  

• Speed Up the Sale: Homes with high curb appeal often sell faster. Buyers fall in love before they even walk inside.
  

• Make You Proud: Even if you’re not selling, a beautiful home exterior boosts your sense of pride and enjoyment every time you pull into the driveway.
  
  

5 Curb Appeal Boosters That Don’t Break the Bank

You don’t need to overhaul your entire landscape. These small changes can make a big difference:

Potted flowers on the porch or steps are an easy win. Choose bold, summer-friendly plants like marigolds, petunias, or geraniums. Group pots in odd numbers (3 or 5) for a designer touch.

A fresh coat of paint on your front door in a bold but tasteful color—like navy, red, or forest green—instantly boosts appeal. Don’t forget updated hardware and a fun welcome mat!

Good lighting highlights your landscaping and keeps things safe. Try solar-powered path lights or install a statement lantern by your door.

Weeding, edging, and fresh mulch around trees and flowerbeds give your yard a polished look. It’s like giving your lawn a haircut.

Even a small front porch can shine with a bench, outdoor rug, and throw pillows in cheerful colors. This creates a warm, inviting feel buyers love.

Common Roadblocks (And How to Beat Them)

“I don’t have time.”

Try tackling one mini-project each weekend. Start small—just painting your mailbox or trimming your hedges can make a noticeable impact.

“I don’t have a green thumb.”

Opt for low-maintenance plants like succulents, ornamental grasses, or evergreens. No gardening expertise required.

“It’s too expensive.”

Many improvements cost less than $100. Browse local garden centers during seasonal sales, or repurpose what you have—an old wooden crate can become a rustic planter.

DIY Curb Appeal Checklist

Here’s a quick list to get you started:

✅ Mow the lawn and edge along sidewalks
✅ Weed flowerbeds and apply fresh mulch
✅ Wash windows and power-wash siding
✅ Paint or clean the front door
✅ Update your house numbers
✅ Add potted plants and porch decor
✅ Install or check outdoor lighting
✅ Declutter and store away unused garden tools

Let Your Home’s Exterior Speak Volumes

Enhancing your curb appeal is one of the smartest moves you can make this summer. It sets the stage for everything that comes next—whether that’s selling, refinancing, or just enjoying a more beautiful place to live.

"Great curb appeal isn’t about perfection—it’s about making people feel like they’re home before they even walk inside," says Peter Klein of Tress Homes. “That’s the magic that sells houses.”

Ready to make your home shine this summer?

Visit HomeOnward.com for more expert advice and real estate tips, or email tresshomes@gmail.com for personalized guidance or help starting your home search.