Enhancing Curb Appeal in The Winter

Just because it’s cold outside (and wow, it’s supposed to be super cold this weekend here in Denver) doesn’t mean you can slack off on curb appeal. If you’re trying to sell your home during the winter months, making a good first impression is just as crucial as ever. Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing your home’s exterior for a fall or winter sale:

Safety first: As my husband always tell me, “Safety never takes a day off” and that holds true for the winter time! Therefore, make sure any buyers or visitors can make it to your front door without any accidents. Prevent slips by clearing your driveway, walkways and stairs of snow, ice and leaves.
A tidy lawn: Your grass may no longer be green, but you can still keep your lawn looking neat so buyers can picture what it will look like in the spring and summer. Keep your lawn clean by periodically raking up leaves and other debris.
Clean gutters: Leaves will accumulate in your gutters in the fall, so clean them out before putting your home on the market to show buyers that you care about exterior home maintenance. This will also help with the inspection once your home is under contract because it’s one less thing for the inspector to point out.
Fresh paint: Because of bare trees, buyers have a clearer view of your home in the fall and winter than they do in the spring and summer. Faded or chipped paint will really stand out, so give your home a fresh coat if it needs it.
Outdoor lighting: As the days get shorter, having proper outdoor lighting will make your home safer and more attractive for buyers who come to visit at night. Use a series of path lights to illuminate the way to your front door, or decorate your front door with sconces or lanterns.
Winter decorations: Subtle wintry decorations can bring out the best in your home and make it feel ‘homey’. Try a simple wreath on the front door, small white lights strung around shrubbery, or a pile of firewood stacked neatly against a wall.
Cold-weather plants: Evergreen trees or plants that can stand up to the cold weather such as pansies or witch hazel can liven up a drab landscape.