Why Curb Appeal Matters
Curb appeal is everything that makes a home look attractive from the street — a well-tended lawn, complementary landscaping, freshly painted trim, lack of exterior clutter, a welcoming entry area, and fencing in great condition. It’s what creates that all-important first impression. Without it, potential buyers may not even tour the inside of your house.
In one survey, real estate agents overwhelmingly listed curb appeal among the top “five most important factors in selling a home.” In fact, houses with strong curb appeal often sell for up to 10% more. With that in mind, here are our top tips for using curb appeal to sell your house in Atlanta Metro.
1. Eliminate Clutter
Most sellers understand the importance of decluttering the inside of their homes, but the outside is often overlooked — and that can be a costly mistake. According to real estate agent Kevin Kieffer, “Your house needs to be framed up. It needs to look like a picture when people pull up.” That’s why eliminating exterior clutter is one of the most impactful ways to boost curb appeal.
Clutter is in the eye of the beholder. What feels normal to you may look messy to potential buyers. They need to envision your home as their home — without distractions. Here’s how you can help them do that:
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Remove items like bicycles, skateboards, sports equipment, kiddie pools, and garden tools.
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Pick up trash and debris: dead leaves, fallen branches, pet waste, and anything else that detracts from the view.
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Keep only a few well-maintained pots and select pieces of outdoor furniture.
2. Beautify the Entryway
Your front entry is the focal point when buyers walk up to your house — make sure it impresses.
Start by replacing or repainting the front door, depending on its condition. A new door is relatively affordable and offers a strong return on investment. Clean the area thoroughly and minimize visual clutter, leaving only one large planter on each side of the door.
Pay attention to small but impactful details:
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Add a new welcome mat.
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Replace outdated door hardware with brushed nickel or oiled bronze finishes.
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Update or clean exterior light fixtures to prevent a dated or neglected look.
3. Touch Up or Repaint the Exterior
Painting the exterior is one of the bigger investments on this list, but it can make a huge difference. Fortunately, most homes in the Atlanta Metro area have brick or siding, so you may only need to repaint the trim (fascia, soffits, and window frames), which keeps costs down.
As any marketer will tell you: presentation matters. A fresh coat of paint gives your home a polished, well-cared-for appearance that instantly boosts curb appeal.
4. Improve Landscaping
You probably already know that landscaping matters, but you might not realize how much value it can add. Professionally designed and well-maintained landscaping can increase a home’s value by 10% to 12%.
The most effective landscaping includes:
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A mix of evergreen and deciduous trees
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Colorful, layered plants
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Well-planned hardscaping features like stone paths or borders
While professional landscaping can be costly, many enhancements can be DIY-friendly — such as planting seasonal flowers or adding mulch for a fresh, clean look.
5. Add or Enhance Outdoor Living Space
One often overlooked way to boost curb appeal is by showcasing usable outdoor living space. Buyers love imagining themselves enjoying the home, and outdoor spaces — like porches, patios, or decks — help them do that.
Stage the space with tasteful, well-arranged furniture to create an inviting “outdoor room.” Even a small bistro set or cozy bench can enhance a front porch or backyard area.
6. Work with a Local Agent
Remember, you only get one chance to make a great first impression — and curb appeal is that chance. In fact, studies show that 50% of a buyer’s decision is made in the first 60 seconds as they approach the home.
A knowledgeable local real estate agent understands what buyers in your area want to see and can give you tailored advice on how to maximize curb appeal efficiently and affordably.