We talk extensively about how important it is to make sure the inside of your Peterborough house is beautiful before putting it on the market. A clean, updated, and well-staged home can help you sell faster with less hassle and even earn more than selling as-is.
However, with all of the focus on cleaning, decluttering, and painting, it’s easy to forget about what can matter even more—the outside of your home. This post is all about levelling up your curb appeal to make potential buyers fall in love at first sight.
Why Curb Appeal Matters
As much as we like to think we don’t, we all make snap judgements. The saying “presentation is everything” applies everywhere, from dishes at a restaurant to the appearance of your home.
That first snap judgment comes into play as soon as a buyer sees your house from the outside. If the first thing they see is a garbage bin on the front porch that’s filled to overflowing, then you may be in trouble.
If they’re greeted by the sight and scent of a colourful garden and well-maintained lawn, you could be well on your way to a successful sale before your visitor even walks through the door.
The next question is, how do you spruce up the outside so that potential buyers are instantly impressed? You could splurge and go all out on expensive landscaping or make a few simple adjustments. Alternatively, your upgrades could fall somewhere in between.
Now that you understand the importance of your home’s exterior appearance, let’s explore a few enhancements for all seasons of the year.
Why is now a great time to sell in Peterborough? Think of everything a potential buyer is looking for, and it’s easy to why this city checks off all the boxes:
- Top Activities for Kids in Peterborough
- Why Peterborough is Perfect for Families
- 5 Things You’ll Never Miss When Relocating to Peterborough from the GTA
All Season Curb Appeal
If you do nothing else, you can ensure your curb appeal is always on point simply by maintaining your yard regularly. Keeping the driveway and walkways clear will help ensure your visitor’s safety and enhance the property’s appearance.
Power washing the outside of your home occasionally and cleaning the windows will always help to impress potential buyers at any time of the year
For added effect, consider painting the front door with a bold yet tasteful colour. Alternatively, you can add a pop of personality by hanging a few weatherproof decor items. Wall art doesn’t just have to be for the inside! Now, let’s see what we can do specifically during each season to dazzle anyone who pulls into your driveway.
Outdoor Enhancements for the Winter
There’s a big misconception that curb appeal in the winter is hard! One look outside at the slush and snow can make you want to hibernate under the blankets until it all melts away. However, a few simple tips can help turn your yard into a winter wonderland:
- Clear away all snow and ice from the driveway and walkways. This is for safety as well as for appearance. Plus, it makes your home seem more inviting.
- Winter is known for early nights. Add a hint of festive cheer by illuminating the front porch and pathways. Lights are not just for the holidays!
- Trim trees and shrubs for a tidy appearance.
- Updating the house numbers is a subtle upgrade that can lend a fresh and tidy new look to the exterior.
- Consider some winter landscaping using cold-weather plants and textured mulch. Bark chips, shredded bark, or straw can add visual interest while protecting those precious roots from the cold.
Maximize the Springtime Appeal
Ask any home designer, and they’ll swear that spring was made for outside curb appeal! The snow is melting, and new life and fresh scents are in the air. It’s the perfect time to spruce up your yard, whether you plan to welcome guests or potential buyers to your home. Following the simple tips below may cause traffic to slow down on your street as passersby take in your stunning decor.
- Start with a thorough cleanup of the yard and dispose of any leftover winter debris.
- Consider adding fast-growing trees for shade and beauty.
- Tis the season for flower beds, container gardens and seasonal blooms!
- Paint or stain outdoor steps, patios, and decks. A few decorative patterns add a sense of personality and flair.
- Grass grows quickly in the spring. A regular lawn maintenance schedule will keep it green and healthy.
- The temperatures are climbing, making it a great time for outdoor seating or a bench on the front porch.
Sensational Summer Decor
Everyone wants to spend as much time outdoors as possible once the hot, sunny days of summer arrive. A few welcoming touches can make your home the place to entertain and relax all season long–in style, of course!
- Ontario summers can be dry. A few strategically placed boulders or rocks are a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to garden beds. They also provide much-needed shade for your more delicate plants and flowers.
- Speaking of shade, it’s nice for people too! A gazebo or pergola is beautiful to look at while allowing you to lounge outside in comfort on hot afternoons.
- Keep lawns, shrubs, and flower beds neat and trimmed.
Looking for even more ways to wow potential buyers when selling your home? The related reading below will give you plenty of inspiration:
- Is It Better to Buy or Sell First in Peterborough?
- Why Should You Stage Before Selling Your Home in Peterborough?
- When Is the Best Season to Sell Your Peterborough Home?
Capturing the Beauty of Fall
Like spring, the fall season is another time when nature takes care of most of the curb appeal on your behalf. No home improvement project you can perform will compare with the dazzling colours from all the changing leaves. That said, there are a few simple ways to enhance the effect even more.
- Clean up any debris from the yard, including falling leaves.
- Consider adding edging to the lawn for a clean, modern look.
- Cooler days are the perfect time for all of those outdoor projects you have planned, such as painting the garage door, staining the deck, or adding a trellis for climbing plants.
- Decorate the outdoors with seasonal decor and evergreens.
- A propane-powered patio heater will prolong the time you can spend playing and entertaining outdoors.
- Add exterior lighting to compensate for the shorter days.
Focusing on minor updates that you can make quickly will help maximize your results if you plan to sell the home over the next few months. If you plan to stay, enhancing your outdoor curb appeal becomes your mission all year long.
For example, planting bulbs in late fall means enjoying beautiful early spring blooms –often for years to come!
Do you have questions or are you ready to begin selling your Peterborough home? We are here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to team@jeffandkatie.ca or call 705-243-9797 to get started.
