How to Preserve Your Home’s Winter Curb Appeal

When you hear “curb appeal,” the picture of a perfectly manicured lawn bordered by colorful perennial flowers likely comes to mind. But lush landscaping isn’t always an option if you’re selling your home during the winter. You’ll need to get creative with your winter curb appeal to give buyers a positive first impression — after all, impressions are everything!

Just because the temperature drops and the days are dark and gray doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your curb appeal. Continue reading to learn six ways to boost your home’s winter curb appeal, as well as some general winter home tips. 

A home’s curb appeal refers to its exterior appearance to potential buyers. Curb appeal allows buyers, or anyone walking past your house, a glimpse into the quality of the home that could be inside.

The more attractive the exterior of your home, the more curb appeal it has. However, your property’s exterior goes past just the architecture — landscaping, paint colors, porch decor, door frames, mailboxes, and so much more can influence your home’s curb appeal.

Learn More: The Importance of Curb Appeal

Though we don’t see an abundance of snow in the Carolinas, ensuring your driveway is always clear is a great way to keep up with your winter curb appeal. Your driveway is an essential part of your home, especially for prospective buyers. Considering many buyers will want to picture themselves walking into “their” home, you’ll want to make sure your driveway and sidewalks are clear and free of imperfections. 

Begin by shoveling away any snow, ice, leaves, and debris from your walking paths. Then, stow away unwanted toys, vehicles, or lawn equipment that blocks your walkway.

Related: How to Declutter Your Home to Sell

The winter months can take a harsh toll on your green thumb. To ensure a gorgeous garden all year long, consider adding some vibrant cold-weather plants! There are plenty of plants that look great all season long and provide your winter curb appeal with lively colors and textures. A few of our favorite cold-weather plants include:

 

• Blue Ice Bog Rosemary 
• Carsten’s Wintergold Mugo Pine
• Tiny Buttons Stonecrop
• Frosty Fire Dianthus 
• Christmas Rose 
• Snowdrops 

 

Leaves will accumulate in your gutters during the fall months, so make sure to clean them out before winter rolls around. In addition to making sure your gutters are free from debris, you should also consider pressure washing them to remove any dirt and grime that may have accumulated over time. 

The warm summer months can take a toll on the exterior of your home, and due to the bare trees, buyers will have a clear view of your home from any angle. Faded or chipped paint can be an eyesore for buyers, so give your home a fresh coat if needed. 

Additionally, paint often serves as a barrier between the structure of your home and the outdoor elements, so it’s especially important to check your home’s paint job before winter arrives! 

As the days get shorter and night falls quicker, having proper outdoor lighting will make your home safer and more attractive for buyers who may visit after sundown. To illuminate the exterior of your home, install a series of path lights that pave the way to your front door. In addition to helping your guests navigate your driveway and sidewalk, you will be able to showcase the beauty of your home at all hours of the night. 

Related: Why You Should Talk to a REALTOR® Before Doing Renovations

Subtle winter decorations can bring out the best in your home and create an inviting feeling for your guests. Try a simple wreath on the front door, small white string lights around shrubbery, or a pile of firewood stacked neatly against a wall. Adding these small touches will add style and bring all of the elements of your home together — resulting in “appealing” winter curb appeal.

In addition to making sure the outside of your home is appealing during the winter, it’s just as important to winterize the interior. Thankfully, there are a few simple ways that you can prepare your home for the chilly winter months. A few of our top tips include:

 

• Let your faucets slowly drip to avoid freezing pipes
• Recaulk your windows and doors to prevent water damage and heat loss
• Get your roof inspected to ensure it can endure the winter weather
• Reverse your ceiling fans to circulate heated air 
• Restock all of your winter essentials, such as salt or ice melt 

 

There are numerous benefits of hiring a real estate agent when selling your home. For example, our Redbud Group REALTORS® will make sure your winter curb appeal is as attractive as possible when it comes time to list. Additionally, our agents can offer you suggestions to increase your home’s curb appeal based on their expertise and experience of what attracts buyers in your specific market — ensuring that your home is sold promptly. 

Click the button below to speak with one of our expert agents and begin your home-selling journey!

Call us today to learn more.