10 Ways to Improve Curb Appeal in the Winter

Selling in the winter months can present a challenge when it comes to your home’s curb appeal. Between the snow, gray skies, and lack of vegetation, it can be difficult to liven up the exterior. Here are some tips to help improve your home’s first impression. 

1. Keep all sidewalks, driveways, walkways, steps, and porches clear of snow and ice at all times. Anywhere that potential buyers may need to drive or walk should be clear and accessible. This is especially important to keep in mind when selling a vacant home. Keep an eye on the weather if the home is out of your area. This not only helps the curb appeal of your home, it also reduces the risk of someone getting stuck or injured on your property. 

2. Consider how those touring your home will exit your driveway. If you live on a busy street, it may be a good idea to shovel an area for cars to turn around. In addition, you could add some lanterns along the edges of your driveway to help guide buyers when backing out in the dark. This will not only help those visiting, but can keep your yard looking nice and clear of tire tracks. 

3. Put up some lights. Hanging some simple white lights around the porch or roofline can increase your home’s curb appeal tremendously, especially when it gets dark early. A number of showings will most likely take place after 5pm during the week. This means that there isn’t much time before the sun goes down. Approaching a house with beautiful lights on is much more welcoming than approaching a pitch dark house. 

4. Leave the lights on when you leave, if possible. Piggy-backing off of the last tip, this brightens up your house for those touring after it gets dark and welcomes the potential buyers inside. This will also help illuminate the exterior, making it easier to see. 

5. Consider adding some fake potted plants to the landscaping. During the winter months it can be hard to visualize the landscaping with vegetation. Adding some fake plants can go a long way in helping the buyer imagine what the home will look like in the warmer seasons. 

6. Add some pops of color. Due to lack of vegetation and sunshine, everything can seem a bit dull and gray in the winter. Try adding a pop of color by painting your front door, mailbox, and/or shutters. If painting is not an option, try adding some colorful decor on the front porch/by the front door. 

Some more ideas that are good for any time of year: 

7. Update your address numbers. Although this can help improve curb appeal any time of year, investing in some new numbers (or giving a fresh coat of paint to the existing numbers) can help freshen up the exterior. 

8. Replace any exterior light bulbs that are dim or completely out. It is important that the buyer is able to see the exterior of your home, even when it is dark outside! 

9. Freshen up any fencing. If it is warm enough, consider power washing or adding a fresh coat of paint/stain to your fence. 

10. Clean up the siding. Have your gutters cleaned, remove any vegetation that may be growing up the side of the home, and power wash the siding and windows. Especially in the winter, vegetation will not distract from dirty siding so it is important for the exterior to be clean! 

The exterior of your home is a buyer’s first impression. You want potential buyers to pull up feeling welcomed and wanting to see more. Maintaining curb appeal in the winter can be a challenge, but by following these tips your home is sure to deliver the “wow factor”. For more tips on curb appeal and preparing your home for the market, reach out to Lexi Hass at Coldwell Banker Frewen Realty. Contact information can be found on the home page or you can get in contact through the “Contact Me” option located in the “About Me” tab above!