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Easy Fixes to Boost a Home’s Curb Appeal
Small, affordable updates, like fresh paint, tidy gardens and lighting, can instantly improve a home’s first impression and strengthen its resale value.
NEW YORK — First impressions can shape whether buyers even walk through the front door. Buyers often decide whether to tour a home based on its exterior. Common curb appeal mistakes can easily be fixed with affordable updates that boost a property’s first impression and value:
- Cracked and stained driveways give the sense of poor upkeep, but power washing and sealing can restore them for under $200.
- Overgrown gardens look disheveled and chaotic. Trimming shrubs, pulling weeds and adding mulch often costs less than $100.
- Faded or peeling paint makes even sturdy homes look dated, while a fresh coat on a front door in navy, green or black delivers instant impact.
- Porches cluttered with old furniture or tools distract buyers, so clearing the space and adding simple touches like potted plants makes it more welcoming.
- Dim entryways or broken fixtures suggest safety concerns, but solar lights under $50 quickly brighten the approach.
- Worn or damaged fencing not only looks dated but raises privacy and security worries. Even small repairs or repainting can help frame the property in a positive light.
Small, inexpensive updates like these reassure buyers the home has been cared for and can support a stronger resale price.
Source: RISMedia (09/11/25) Catarevas, Michael
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