In many areas, spring is when many homeowners list their homes. If you’re a homeowner thinking about selling this year, before you list, you may wish to boost the curb appeal of the home’s landscaping and exteriors to make it more attractive to potential buyers. For more tips on selling your home, visit our seller’s resource page.

It’s also a great time to spruce up a home’s exterior and landscape, whether your goal is to sell quickly or to simply have the home that is the envy of the neighborhood. Here are eight tips to help you improve the curb appeal of your home, presenting it in its best light.

1. Wash the exterior

Over the years, dirt, grime and cobwebs can collect on your home’s exterior. A pressure washer can remove this buildup and give your home a fresh look that may even add $10,000 to $15,000 to the value of your home, according to Houselogic.com. Also, wash the windows (inside and out) and clean the gutters, downspouts and all doors, including garage doors. If you’re too busy to spruce up your windows, considering hiring a window cleaning company such as Streakless Window & Gutter Cleaning in Sacramento or Bailey Boys Services, who clean just about everything and is based in Roseville, CA.

2. Paint

Paint is a sure-fire way to boost the curb appeal of your home and make it the envy of your neighborhood. Update your home with a coat or two of the same color or choose a new shade. If you’d like to paint it the same color, scrape a small swatch and bring it to the paint store to match it.

Specialized paint stores may retain the name of the color you choose to use again for touch ups. Reach out to our preferred partner, Mark Gallagher of MPG Painting in Sacramento if your project is too big or time-consuming to do yourself. You will want to paint the door as well as the trim and shutters in a shade that complements the rest of your home. Remember to prep the surface area before you start painting to help the paint last longer.

Tip: If you’re planning to sell soon, avoid unusual colors. Homes painted unusual shades may be appraised lower if they don’t fit in with comparable homes on the market.

3. Install vinyl siding

Protect the exterior of your home with vinyl siding. Vinyl and premium vinyl siding are offered in a wide range of colors and are durable and low-maintenance. Premium vinyl lasts longer and may also integrate insulation. To keep it looking like new, clean it with a power washer periodically.

Although vinyl siding tends to be low-maintenance, you may have to replace your siding if you notice moisture or damage from hail, wildlife or extreme weather.

4. Repair or replace the roof

If your roof is in good shape, hire a professional to clean and remove moss and dirt that have built up. However, if your roof is due for a replacement, it may be best to do so before you list it. Our preferred partners Adam Wilfley of Roof Doctors in Fair Oaks and Carlos Galan of Galan Roofing (916-459-5291) can help!

Although the median cost of a new asphalt shingle roof is $7,500, if you install a new one before you list, you may have a return on investment of 109 percent, according to Houselogic.com. If you aren’t planning to sell your home soon, maintaining it may help you avoid expensive repairs in the future. 

5. Pay attention to the details

These details include door hardware and handles, light fixtures and house numbers. Polish the hardware or replace it with a style that complements the home, such as oiled bronze for traditional styles and brushed nickel for contemporary styles. Purchase new numbers with the same finish as your hardware or purchase an address plaque to affix to your home or place in your yard.

Update the style of your exterior lighting. If you’re replacing lights, look for ones that have the same mounting system as your current ones. Add more lighting to increase the safety of your entryway by adding an overhead fixture or wall sconces.

6. Nurture your landscape

A well-maintained landscape and lawn add to the home’s appeal, creating colorful dimensions and attractive lines. Mow the lawn regularly, mulch and weed the garden beds and prune any overgrown shrubs. Also, clear away any overgrown vines or invasive weeds that have crept into your landscape.

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