Spring is just around the corner, and if you’ve been thinking about selling your home, now is the time to prepare! Remodeling the inside of your house is important to the process, but don’t forget about the outside of the home, too.

Curb appeal can make or break a sale. Homebuyers are much less likely to move forward if, at a glance, they see the yard in disarray. Not only could this signal that the rest of the house is not well maintained, but it could also affect the home’s value.

These five tips can help enhance your home’s curb appeal and increase your return on investment.

1. Cut back trees and shrubs.

Your lawn should accent and enhance your home… not hide it. Prune back and trim any trees or shrubs around your property and home. Pay special attention to dead or diseased trees. If you aren’t confident in your trimming abilities, ask a friend to help or hire a professional.

2. Give your lawn some TLC.

A freshly mowed, trimmed, and edged yard looks tidy and clean. Hire a landscaping crew, or gather some friends and give your yard the full work up. Bring in fresh dirt or mulch for any flower gardens or hedges you may have on your property, as well.

3. Color pops from the street.

Make your home look pleasing to the eye by planting in-season flowers. Create flower beds on either side of your front door and down by your mailbox. This brightens up the house and surrounding landscape and makes it look inviting.

4. Paint or reside.

We know painting your entire house can be costly, but this is a simple way to enhance curb appeal. Even just painting the trim can improve the look of your home.

In the same vein, power wash your house, garage, sidewalks, and driveways. This clears debris and makes it look fresh, clean, and almost like new.

5. Replace your old garage door.

One of the biggest things that impact the value of your entire home, and your return on investment, is your garage door. You may find that hard to believe, but a brand-new garage door can help your home sell faster.

Choose a new garage door that best fits the style of your existing home. This is an easy way to upgrade the look, improve curb appeal, and increase the value of your home. Bonus tip: It’s important to choose a material for your garage door that is most agreeable to a temperamental Midwest climate.

For more advice on increasing your home’s value, or for assistance in choosing the right garage door, subscribe to our blog.