The exterior of your home should be a dream come true to any house hunters out there. By catching their eye, you give them a chance to want to go in and set their expectations of this being a great property. 

These are five trending exterior design ideas that will boost your curb appeal in no time!

Why Curb Appeal Matters

Curb appeal matters for the same reason you stage the interior of your home. You want the space to look awesome and welcoming and give buyers a chance to think about what their lives would be like if they lived here.

Although there are some simple updates anyone can do, like mowing and edging your lawn, power washing areas like sidewalks and driveways, and adding a fresh layer of paint to your patio: there are many updates that many forgo that could seriously boost your curb appeal and property value. 

Attractive curb appeal can help your home sell for around 7% more, which can be a huge boost for the average home. 

1. Updating With Loungable and Comfortable Spaces

How comfortable and inviting is the backyard? Although you may want to focus on the front yard, if you have a corner lot or no privacy fence, your backyard is on display. Adding ground pavers, a pagoda, and some comfortable seating can turn a plain backyard into an oasis overnight. Adding usable space and details like this can quickly seal the deal for any buyers that were on the fence.

2. Giving Your Roof a Makeover

How old is your roof? Something that can scare almost any buyer away is an older roof that's going to need to be updated within the next ten years. They're putting a lot of money into a house and don't want to deal with a major expense like that any time soon. 

Updating with something attractive like wood shingles can set your property apart and make it stand out. 

3. Updating the Entrance to Make it More Welcoming

The entrance to your home is the first point of contact any buyer will have with the property, so make sure it's as welcoming as possible. If your door is peeling, consider sanding it down and repainting it, and even replacing the house numbers, so they're more prominent and attractive. 

Decorate your porch, so it looks welcoming as well. If you have the room for it, a bench, potted plant, and welcome mat can go a long way to make a space feel homier. Updating whatever light fixture you have can take it a long way, giving the area a fresh and new feeling.

4. Replacing Old and Out of Date Siding

How old is the siding on your home? If it's warping, cracked, or discolored, it could be time to replace it. Siding does so much more than just decide the color of your home- it also protects it from the elements and ensures the temperature inside your home can stay as constant and comfortable as possible.

Look for siding that stands out while still looking fantastic. Metal board and batten siding can handle anything that's thrown at it while still looking incredible and coming in a huge assortment of colors. If you want a warmer look, adding exterior wood cladding can also take a long way.

5. Updating With Drainage Throughout Your Yard

The last thing you want to deal with is a property that allows water to build up. You certainly don't need a storm to come through and leave standing water through your property right before potential buyers come through.

With how unpredictable weather has become recently, it's a good idea to put lawn drainage in your more problematic areas and buy covers for it, so these don't fill with mulch or lawn trimmings.

6. Replace old Gutters

Replacing gutters may not be the most glamorous project, but it’s a crucial one. Gutters play a vital role in protecting your home’s foundation by channeling water away from it. Additionally, new gutter systems come with a range of features that can make your life easier, such as leaf guards and seamless designs. Upgrading your gutters or replacing hardware like dented panels or gutter screws can also give your home a fresh look and boost its curb appeal. If you’re considering a home remodel, don’t overlook the importance of replacing your gutters.

Mistakes to Avoid

Although it's good to make your property look fantastic, there are some mistakes to avoid that could end up hurting you in the long run. One of these is planting a lot of high-maintenance plants. Most buyers are already pressed for time and energy throughout the week, and too many specialty plants can be overwhelming. Go with native plants that can handle your climate.

Avoid forgetting about your HOA! If you make any updates they hate, they can fine you and then sue you if it's not corrected. This could be extra stressful if you made a huge update, like replacing your roof or siding, without letting them know.

Curb Appeal Changes Everything

Your curb appeal can make a huge difference. Whether you're updating to sell or you're trying to find some great renters, it's a great idea to invest in your property's exterior.

Guest Contributor: Haley Reynolds