Spring is right around the corner, which means we’re just in time for one of my favorite house projects— curb appeal! The exterior of a home is the introduction to a story and can either keep the reader (if you’re planning on selling your home, buyer) wanting more or will make them ready to move on. Curb appeal doesn’t have to be something you spend a lot of money on, although it does require some time. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to freshen up or you have plans to sell your home this year- these tips are for you!

1. Paint the Front Door

I realized in my video I said “Don’t paint it a crazy color”, but I’m deciding to veto that statement and say go to town! While you should stay away from neon colors, this is a small piece of the bigger pie and the front door can be something playful for you to test your creativity. I recommend choosing a few selections and getting sample sizes to compare larger swatches on the door and see how it looks with the rest of the house colors. A few tips for painting the door-

• Remove it from its hinges and remove hardware- You can paint the door still attached to the house, but I found it easier to do when it was laying down flat. You also won’t have to worry about weather conditions if you can paint the door indoors
• Prep the door- You’ll want to use a wet rag to clean off any dirt off the door, then sand down any imperfections. Don’t forget to wipe the door down again to remove the dust if sanding.
• Prime the door- Make sure to use a good primer so the existing color doesn’t seep through after you paint it the new color.
• Use a roller to get a better finish- If you want it to look professionally done, spray the door.

2. Clean up Debris

So simple, but is overlooked. In my opinion, cleaning up debris in your yard is just the basics of homeownership and should be done at least a few times each season. Plan a sunny weekend, pick up some leaf bags at your local hardware store, and take a few days to get to it. Heres a list of what you should focus on;

• Clean out all the leaves in your garden beds, landscape, gutters, lawn etc.
• Trim up any bushes that need grooming, and prune plants if you didn’t in the fall (Pruning will help with new growth when spring is in full bloom).
• Power wash or wash the siding and/or driveway, decks, porch
• Wash all windows

3. Add Landscape

My favorite part! Adding landscape can make a huge difference to your house, just like it did for mine. My favorite spots to search for new plants are Tellys Greenhouse and Garden Center (3301 John R Rd, Troy, MI 48083) and English Gardens (4901 Coolidge Hwy, Royal Oak, MI 48073). If looking for a more affordable option, you can always go to your nearest Home Depot or Lowes!

Not sure what to get? Line the front of the house with Boxwoods and hydrangeas- the best go-to’s in my opinion!

4. Get New House Numbers

Small change with a major impact! You can find new house numbers on Etsy, Amazon, or Home Depot; this adds the finishing touches to any house!

5. Add Home Decor

Lastly, adding some decor will make the outside pop with its finishing touches if you have a front porch or deck. You can layer rugs, and add planters, flags, chairs, etc. to make the space feel more homey and inviting. Also makes a great spot for you to enjoy in the summer and people-watch!

Just remember

If you’re planning on selling your home in the future, the outside is your first impression- it is the first thing a home buyer will see when looking which is why it’s important to keep it in the best shape. Hopefully, these tips will help you keep it looking it’s best!