Whether you’re getting ready to put your house on the market, or just want the best-looking home on the block, boosting its curb appeal is the place to start. And the best part is, it doesn’t take a lot of time, money or DIY skill to do it. Here are five cheap and easy ways to increase your home’s curb appeal.   

Add Flower Boxes or Potted Plants

Installing flower boxes is an easy way to bring life and color to your home’s exterior and can give it a whole new look. Flower boxes are easy and inexpensive to make. Just be sure to change out the plants seasonally so there’s color showing year ‘round. For an even quicker, easier solution, strategically placed groupings of flowering potted plants can provide a similar effect. No green thumb? Do the same thing with trendy succulents instead.

Make the Front Door Pop

A can of paint, plus a few hours of your time, can really transform the look of your home. Painting the front door a bold, bright hue is one of the easiest ways to add curb appeal and an unmistakable “wow” factor. Think strong, primary colors such as red, blue or yellow or more artistic choices like turquoise, indigo or lime green. Don’t feel like painting? Give the front door a good cleaning to remove scuffs and fingerprints. Then polish the hardware, add a wreath made of flowers or greenery and put down a new welcome mat.

Add or Upgrade Outdoor Lighting

You know how the porch light gets filled with dried leaves and dead bugs? That’s not a good look. Keep outdoor lighting clean and free of debris. Add solar lighting stakes along the front walkway or in selected areas of the yard to bring a sense of welcoming warmth. Along with making your home look better, good exterior lighting is also a crime deterrent.

Give the Mailbox a Makeover

A faded, scratched, dented or wobbly mailbox can detract from the look of your home. If yours looks less-than-inviting, it might be time to replace the whole thing. Or if you think it’s worth saving, you can paint it a bright color, pop out small dents and remount it on a sturdy post so it’s secure and standing tall.

Tidy Up Odds and Ends

When it comes to keeping your home looking clean and inviting, little things mean a lot. Keep hoses rolled up neatly, or better yet, hidden as much as possible. Same goes for trash and recycling containers; don’t leave them out longer than necessary and keep them out of sight the rest of the week. Don’t let flyers, newspapers or take-out menus accumulate. Keep the front entry area tidy and free of kids’ toys, accumulated leaves and outdoor boots. Staying on top of these tasks won’t cost a penny but goes a long way toward boosting curb appeal.

Wondering how much home you can afford? Our Home Affordability Calculator can help you figure it out.