Curb appeal season is here! How much do first impressions really matter?

Everest breaks down why spring is the perfect time to boost your home’s value

Spring is when neighborhoods wake up all at once.

Lawns turn green again. Flowers start appearing on porches and walkways. Homes that looked tired during the winter months suddenly transform with fresh paint and new mulch.

Most importantly of all, spring naturally spotlights one of real estate’s most powerful (and underrated) factors: curb appeal. 

Before buyers walk through a front door, they’re already forming opinions based on the driveway, sidewalk, landscaping, and even online listing photos. That initial impression shapes how people view the rest of the property, making curb appeal particularly important for homeowners who are selling.

Not looking to sell any time soon?

Don’t think these impressions don’t matter. Regular ‘spring cleaning’ makes a huge impact even if you’re years away from making a move. Many homeowners invest in exterior improvements simply because they enhance pride of ownership. Even a small outdoor project can boost your daily enjoyment and improve your property’s long-term value.

Let’s discuss!

The power of a polished exterior

First impressions matter more than ever in today’s housing environment. Now that things are warming up, homeowners should get to work immediately on their exterior improvements.

“Spring is historically the busiest season for real estate activity,” says Everest Loan Officer Rita Horowitz. “Warmer weather brings more listings to the market and more buyers out to explore neighborhoods. Increased competition means the way a home presents from the street is even more important.”

According to data from NAR, 92% of real estate professionals recommend improving curb appeal before listing a home, while 97% say it’s important for attracting buyers. Research proves that exterior upgrades not only make financial sense for sellers, but also bring joy and pride to current homeowners.

Popular spring fixes

By the numbers

      • 53% of realtors recommend standard lawn care service prior to selling, as homeowners typically recover 217% of value at the time of sale.

      • Landscape maintenance also comes highly recommended by 74% of realtors for its 104% return on investment. 99% of consumers also reported “wanting to be home more often” after enhancing their outdoor landscape.

      • A new patio may set families back $10,500 on average, but with 95% reported cost recovery, it’s a smart investment. Building a new wood deck, for instance, gave 66% of homeowners a sense of accomplishment and joy score of 9.8/10.

What do buyers notice first?

When people think about improving a home’s value, they often imagine large renovation projects (think: in-ground pools, outdoor kitchens, paver driveways, etc.). Such improvements definitely enhance quality of life for owners and may help attract buyers down the line.

But the ‘curb appeal’ concept works differently.

Rita Horowitz explains, “In many cases, the most effective improvements are simple, affordable, and relatively quick to complete. Buyers tend to respond strongly to homes that feel clean and move-in ready from the outside. Small details like a manicured lawn, fresh mulch, and a clean walkway signal that a property is well cared for.”

These subtle cues set the tone for what people can expect when they eventually step inside the home. And if you’re not selling, minor exterior improvements also have a positive impact on homeowners. Picture yourself pulling into the driveway after a long day at work. Instead of chipped paint and overgrown grass, wouldn’t it be nice to gaze upon your pristine palace?

If you’re ready to activate your curb appeal, start with Everest’s definitive list of value-add exterior improvements. Whether you’re looking to sell or simply maintain your home’s market position, the following outdoor upgrades promise strong visual impact on a budget.

5 Fast Upgrades to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Landscaping refresh

Want to make your home feel instantly more polished and inviting? Fresh mulch, trimmed shrubs and trees, and seasonal planting do just the trick. Even small touches like lining a walkway with flowers or adding planters near the entry help convey a sense of care and attention.

Exterior maintenance

Visible upkeep sends a strong message to passing neighbors and possible buyers. Spring is the perfect time to power wash siding, touch up paint, and call up your gutter guy to clean out the winter muck. These simple fixes help eliminate visual distractions.

Entryway upgrades

The front door sets the tone for everything that follows. Once they move in, many homeowners never think to change their entryway—but this area is surprisingly impactful! Whether it’s a fresh coat of paint, new hardware, or modern lighting, investing money in your entryway pays off big time. Even a clean doormat does wonders for curb appeal.

Lighting and visibility

Good lighting enhances both appearance and functionality. You can make your home feel more safe and inviting at night by installing path lights or investing in nice porch fixtures. Take things up a notch with subtle landscape lighting for an even greater ‘wow’ factor.

Outdoor living spaces

Buyers are increasingly drawn to spaces they can actually use. If outdoor living space can be seen from the curb, be sure to showcase its beauty and practicality. For instance, consider refreshing your patio or deck, or defining a seating area with outdoor furniture.

Everest says: 

Stop them at the sidewalk

Smart moves,

season after season

Everest Equity

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