If you are about to put your home on the market, your goal involves making it as desirable and attractive as possible beforehand. Of course, focusing time and resources on interior projects is necessary, but so is boosting your home’s curb appeal. The exterior of your home represents a potential buyer’s first impression, and you want it to be as amazing as possible. Here are some budget-friendly ways to improve your home’s curb appeal for buyers.

Deep Cleaning

First things first, if the exterior of your home (including your yard) is obviously dirty or messy, this sends the wrong image to potential buyers. Some things to consider include:

• Windows – Give your windows a good scrub to remove any dirt, debris, fingerprints, and water spots. This makes your home look more desirable and cared for.
• Gutters – Dirty gutters can cause a home to look like it’s in disrepair. Clean the outsides thoroughly and be sure to remove leaves and debris from the inside, too.
• Siding – Dirty siding is also unattractive, so get out the garden hose and give it a good spray. Use a weak bleach solution to kill any mildew that may be present.
• Driveways, Sidewalks, and Patios – A good pressure washing can remove any set-in stains and sticky messes from these areas, and don’t forget to pull the weeds if they are present.

Paint Exterior Trim & Accents

Painting the entire exterior of your home can be quite the project, so if you don’t have the time, or if you simply cannot fit it into your budget, consider at least painting the trim and accents. Things like doors, shutters, fascia, and soffit are inexpensive to paint. Take a look at online color trends that match your home’s architecture, or simply take a drive around the neighborhood to discover trends at a more local level.

Improve Your Front Door

If your boring door could use more than just a coat of paint, there are other options. You could attach molding before painting to give it a different look altogether, or you could check out yard sales and online sale groups on Facebook to find doors that might fit your dimensions. Even used doors can look like new when repainted or refinished, so be sure you don’t automatically discount them. You can also search projects for sprucing up your front door – including adding a pretty wreath – on Pinterest.

Choose Your Furniture Carefully

Outdoor seating is important to buyers as it shows them your home’s true potential. If your home has a covered porch, be sure that you stage it in such a way that buyers can see the benefits. Use pillows and cushions to make things appear comfortable, and place containers or hanging baskets of flowers strategically so they don’t block the view from the road or the porch. Finally, minimize yard décor and try to stick to simpler, more modern options like a single fountain or bird bath as a focal point.

When you sell your home, remember that you are selling the whole home, including the interior and exterior. Because the exterior is the first thing potential buyers will see in person and online, it’s important that you take the time to make it as nice, as inviting, and as personable as possible.