If you want to spruce up your property to sell your home, curb appeal plays a significant role in getting buyers through your door. As summer fades and the temperatures drop, it’s easy to overlook your home’s exterior altogether. Regular maintenance is necessary to maintain your property’s value and beauty throughout fall. Here are a few helpful tips to improve fall curb appeal.
Highlight the Front Door to Improve Fall Curb Appeal
Fall and winter are great times to showcase your front door as trees drop their leaves. The door is one of the first things people notice when entering your home. Add potted plants on either side of the entrance and a simple fall wreath to make your home feel welcoming.
If the door appears worn or faded, paint it a bold color to make it stand out. An older front door may not offer the best insulation, so consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient steel door. You’ll reduce energy bills, improve security, and boost property value.
Clean the Gutters
The cooler temperatures of fall provide excellent weather for inspecting and cleaning the gutters. Remove leaves, pine needles, twigs, and other debris, and then inspect the guttering for signs of damage. Falling leaves clog the gutter channels over time, preventing them from draining water, eventually leading to water damage, mold, pest infestations, landscaping problems, and foundation issues.
Make sure the gutters are clean and in good condition. If you don’t have the time to maintain the gutters, hire a professional to clean them and inform you about their condition.
Upgrade Exterior Lighting
With the days becoming shorter, it’s essential to have adequate outdoor lighting for buyers to access your home safely. Enhancing outdoor lighting is also a great way to improve fall curb appeal and deter burglars.
Use floodlights to accentuate your landscaping or architectural features, and install smaller, decorative lights to illuminate the walkways. If your exterior light fixtures are dirty, thoroughly clean them to boost the overall impression of your home. Dirty fixtures provide dimmer light and could cause a buyer to question your maintenance routine.
Decorate Seasonally to Improve Fall Curb Appeal
Fall is traditionally a time for seasonal holiday decor, so don’t miss the chance to decorate your porch with a pumpkin. Hang a wreath made from colorful leaves on the front door and replace the old doormat with a new one to create an inviting impression.
While celebrating the season can make your home seem warm and welcoming, be wary of going overboard. Too many decorations detract from the appearance of your home and make the exterior appear cluttered.
Improve the Exterior
When leaves begin to fall, your home’s exterior becomes more exposed, allowing passersby and potential buyers an unobstructed view of your property. When preparing to sell, improve the exterior of your home. Remove twigs and branches from the roof. Clean the windows and pressure wash the walkways and siding. If you notice an area where the paint is chipped or faded, add a fresh coat of weather-resistant paint to make it look new.
These simple maintenance tasks, from repainting the front door to raking leaves, help increase your home’s value and boost curb appeal this fall.
TMK Inspections provides home inspection services in Southeast Pennsylvania. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to request an appointment.