7 Simple Curb Appeal Upgrades That Increase Your Home's Value

Curb appeal. Two words that can mean so many things. Two words that are entirely subjective when it comes to real estate.

What you think makes your home's exterior look great from the curb is one thing. But that doesn't mean that the curb appeal ideas you choose to go with will work for every potential buyer viewing your home.

But that's okay. If your home looks outdated from the street, you don't have to spend thousands on landscaping to boost curb appeal.

As a realtor in Grove City, this is one of the most common issues I encounter with homeowners preparing to list their homes.

The good news? You don't need a massive budget to make a big impact on your home's curb appeal—and ultimately, its selling price.

As a real estate agent in Grove City who has helped dozens of sellers prepare their homes for the market, I've seen firsthand which curb appeal ideas actually make a difference. Some projects give you an incredible return on investment, while others are just expensive without adding much value to your home's exterior.

Here are the seven upgrades that consistently make the biggest impact for the least amount of cost—and trust me, potential buyers notice every single one of these curb appeal ideas.

1. Paint Your Front Door (And Maybe the Trim)

Cost: $50-$150

Time: One weekend

Impact: Instant curb appeal

This is, hands down, the best bang for your buck in terms of curb appeal. A fresh front door with new paint instantly makes your house's exterior look updated and inviting. I've seen this simple change make potential buyers stop in their tracks during drive-bys.

What works in Grove City: A classic black front door, navy blue, forest green, or charcoal gray looks great on most home styles. Avoid trendy colors that might date quickly—you want broad appeal to enhance curb appeal.

Pro tip: If your trim around windows and the door looks tired, paint it too. Fresh white or cream trim around the window frames makes everything look crisp and well-maintained.

2. Upgrade Your House Numbers

Cost: $30-$100

Time: 30 minutes

Impact: Surprisingly big impact

Old, small, or faded house numbers make your exterior look neglected. Modern, clearly visible house numbers suggest that the homeowners care about details, and buyers assume that attention to detail carries throughout the property.

What to choose: Go larger than you think you need, and pick a style that matches your home's exterior. Brushed nickel complements almost every style and makes a great first impression.

3. Clean Up Your Landscaping (Don't Replace Everything)

Cost: $100-$500

Time: One weekend

Impact: Makes your home's exterior look move-in ready

You don't need to tear out all your plants and start over. Most Grove City homes just need a good cleanup to improve curb appeal and enhance the front yard.

Focus on these basics:

• Trim overgrown bushes and trees so they're not covering windows or walkways

• Pull weeds from flower beds and add fresh mulch around flowers and plants

• Edge around sidewalks and driveways for clean concrete lines

• Remove any dead or obviously struggling plants from your yard

Plant Strategically: If you do decide to add plants, stick to simple, low-maintenance options that look good year-round. Consider planting flowers in key areas or adding potted plants for flexibility. You might opt for easy-care trees like river birch or flowering pear for a bigger impact.

4. Power Wash Everything

Cost: $150-$300 (rental) or $300-$600 (professional)

Time: One day

Impact: Makes your house exterior look years newer

This is probably the most dramatic improvement you can make for the cost. Pressure washing your home's exterior siding, walkways, driveway, and porch removes years of built-up dirt, making everything look fresh and well-maintained. A power washer rental is affordable, and the best results speak for themselves.

Don't Skip: Your driveway and walkways. Clean concrete and asphalt make a significant difference in how well-maintained your property appears to visitors and potential buyers.

5. Add Simple Exterior Lighting

Cost: $200-$800

Time: A few hours (or hire a professional)

Impact: Extends showing hours and adds safety appeal

Good outdoor lighting makes your home's exterior look inviting and allows for evening showings, which is especially important during Grove City's shorter winter days. Well-lit exteriors also create a focal point and enhance curb appeal even during daytime hours.

Easy wins:

• Solar path lights along walkways (no wiring needed for this affordable option)

• Updated porch light fixture on your front porch

• Landscape spotlights to highlight your best exterior features and trees

6. Create an Inviting Entryway

Cost: $100-$400

Time: One afternoon

Impact: Sets the tone for the entire showing

Your front porch and entryway are the first things buyers see up close. Make it count as a welcoming focal point that reflects the homeowner's personality.

Simple additions that work:

• A new doormat (larger than you think you need, and slip-resistant for safety)

• Add potted plants flanking the door (choose plants that can handle our Pennsylvania weather)

• Window planters under front windows if you have the space

• A small bench or decorative element if your porch has room

Keep It Simple: The goal is to look inviting, not cluttered. Less is usually more when you want to enhance curb appeal.

7. Fix the Obvious Problems

Cost: Varies

Time: Varies

Impact: Prevents buyers from focusing on negatives

Sometimes the best curb appeal idea is simply fixing what's broken. Buyers notice these things immediately, and they suggest larger maintenance issues throughout the property.

Don't let potential buyers see:

• Peeling paint on shutters, trim, or home's exterior surfaces

• Broken porch railings or steps that aren't slip-resistant

• Cracked driveways or walkways with damaged concrete

• A mailbox that's leaning or damaged

• Gutters that are sagging or full of debris

• Overflowing garbage cans visible from the street

Make sure to replace or repair these issues before spending money on other exterior improvements.

What Not to Spend Money On

Before you start planning major projects, here's what typically doesn't give you the best results for your budget when trying to boost curb appeal:

• Expensive landscaping redesigns: Most buyers will change landscaping to their own style and taste anyway.

• New windows or siding: These are expensive materials, and buyers often don't notice the difference as much as you'd expect for the cost.

• Elaborate outdoor features: Things like fountains or extensive hardscaping appeal to some homeowners but turn off others who prefer simpler exteriors.

The Grove City Perspective on Curb Appeal

One thing I love about our Grove City market is that buyers here appreciate homes that look well-maintained without being over-the-top. The curb appeal ideas that work best are the ones that suggest the homeowners have taken good care of the property and create a great first impression.

Most of the homes I sell that get multiple offers have excellent curb appeal, not necessarily expensive landscaping or high-end materials, but clean, fresh, and inviting exteriors that make buyers excited to see the interior.

When to Tackle These Projects

If you're planning to sell in the next year, spring is the ideal time for most curb appeal projects. Everything looks its best in late spring and early summer when flowers are blooming, and you'll have time to establish any new plantings before listing.

That said, don't wait if your house exterior needs these improvements now. A fresh front door and clean landscaping look good in any season, and they'll make you feel better about your property while you're still living in it.

The Bottom Line

Curb appeal doesn't have to be expensive to be effective. The appeal ideas that make the biggest impact are usually the ones that make your home's exterior look clean, well-maintained, and inviting to visitors.

Focus on the basics first, like paint, cleanup, and fixing obvious problems, before spending money on additions like exterior lighting or new plantings. Your goal is to make potential buyers excited to see more, not to win any landscaping awards or create a statement piece.

Ready to Get Your Home Market-Ready?

If you're thinking about selling your Grove City home, I'd love to walk through it with you and share specific suggestions for improvements that make sense for your property and budget.

Sometimes the changes that will make the biggest impact aren't obvious to homeowners, but they're clear to someone who shows homes every week as a Grove City realtor. I can help you decide which projects to tackle first and which ones might not be worth the investment to get top dollar.

Call or text me at (724)-992-4128, or reach out through my website. Let's make sure your home's curb appeal makes an amazing first impression on every potential buyer who drives by.