Want to change the facade of your home? Expensive. Want to paint your siding? Expensive. But want to boost your curb appeal with some easy DIY fixes? Doable and affordable.
Giving your home a curb appeal makeover is a smart homeowner money move that doesn't need to be a major undertaking. All it takes is a quick trip to your local big-box home improvement store and some elbow grease.
Whether you're looking to sell your home or simply want to make it look nicer for your own enjoyment, here are 15 easy ways to boost your curb appeal.
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Add flowers
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Annual flowers are typically inexpensive and easy to grow. If you create a garden bed, you can swap out the flowers with the seasons. Add agreeable, fast-spreading flowers like vincas, snapdragons, or pansies.
Maintain your lawn
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A green, lush yard makes any home look more polished. With a well-maintained lawn, you don't need to worry about switching flowers out with the season or spending time pruning hedges.
You just have to mow the lawn on a regular cadence — or hire a neighborhood kid to take care of it.
Power wash your home's exterior
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You can pick up a power washer for under $50 and use it to deep clean your home's exterior every few months. You can also use it on the sidewalk, walkway, and even your front porch.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1 <p>Clients who are able to stay with the program and get all their debt settled realize approximate savings of 46% before fees, or 25% including our fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for various reasons, including their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period of time. We do not assume consumer debt, make monthly payments to creditors or provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting or legal advice or credit repair services. Not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. Depending on your state, we may be available to recommend a local tax professional and/or bankruptcy attorney. Read and understand all program materials prior to enrollment, including potential adverse impact on credit rating.</p>
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Switch out your mailbox
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It might not be on the top of your list when you think of curb appeal, but a tired mailbox sets the tone for your yard. Spend less than $100 on a brand-new mailbox, and give your front yard a fresh new look.
Add solar lights
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A pack of solar lights costs about $30, and they give your yard a sophisticated feel at night. They'll switch on as soon as the sun goes down, giving your home a glowy appeal from the street.
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Install new house numbers
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House numbers cost just a few dollars, but they make a big impact in a small size. A more updated set of house numbers gives your home a modern look, and it's something people notice from the curb — particularly when they're looking for your address.
Paint your front door
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Depending on your DIY skills, painting your front door could be one of the easiest and most high-impact ways to boost your curb appeal. You'll only pay for a quart of paint and a paintbrush, which shouldn't cost more than $30 or $40. The biggest commitment is time.
Install a new light fixture
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You can find light fixtures for your front entryway for less than $100 and, in many cases, less than $50. If your old light fixture looks tired, chipped, or rusted, this is a quick fix to freshen things up.
Add planters
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Flank your doorway with planters for a sophisticated, symmetrical look. You can get two for under $40, then fill them with evergreens for a low-maintenance option or swap out seasonal flowers.
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Hang a wreath
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Nothing welcomes people to your home like a seasonal wreath. To make it easy on yourself, get a faux wreath for around $50, then add ribbons and decor to keep it feeling festive with each holiday and season.
Upgrade your door hardware
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Front door hardware can get tarnished and worn over time, so spend about $50 to give yours a new look. Anyone who walks up to your front door will notice the fresh hardware — and you can't beat that first impression.
Make repairs
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Whether it's a broken railing, a cracked sidewalk, or a broken front door light, now's the time to make repairs.
Many of these are DIY projects that you can knock out in a weekend (with a little help from YouTube tutorials!), and they'll make a world of difference in giving your home a well-maintained appearance.
Add outdoor furniture
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You don't need to add an entire outdoor seating area, but a perfectly chosen chair near a garden or a bench by the front door gives your home a welcoming, warm look. Search on Facebook Marketplace to get a deal on outdoor furniture.
(Hint: Search at the end of summer when people are clearing out their outdoor spaces.)
Plant evergreen hedges
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Want a low-maintenance curb appeal option that goes beyond grass? Evergreen hedges require pruning, but you'll never have to worry about them dying in the off-season. Look for Holly if you'd like to add vibrant seasonal color.
Try xeriscaping
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The easiest curb appeal is a rock garden. There's no maintenance, no watering, no pruning, and no worrying about replacing flowers at the end of each season. At the end of the day, this helps keep more cash in your wallet.
You don't have to do the entire yard in rocks, but you can create a small rock garden in place of a garden bed.
Bottom line
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Investing in curb appeal can yield an ROI of over 200%. If you're looking to sell and build wealth, the time and energy are well worth the effort.
And, if you're just looking for a more inviting appearance for yourself and your guests, it's worth the pride you'll feel each time you stroll up to your home.
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