Curb Appeal: Is It Really a Thing, or Just HGTV Hype?

You’ve probably heard it before: “First impressions matter.” But does a little landscaping, a fresh coat of paint, or swapping out your mailbox really impact your home’s value — or is “curb appeal” just a buzzword real estate agents throw around to sound fancy?

Spoiler alert: it’s 100% real. And if you’re selling your home, ignoring it could cost you.

The Psychology Behind Curb Appeal

Here’s the thing — buyers decide how they feel about a home in the first 8 seconds. That’s it. Before they’ve stepped foot inside, they’ve already started building a story in their heads:

• “This place looks well taken care of; the inside must be nice too.” 

• Or… “If they couldn’t even mow the lawn, what disasters are hiding inside?” 

And when buyers feel confident and excited, they’re more likely to make a stronger offer — sometimes even above asking price.

How Much Value Are We Talking?

Studies from the National Association of Realtors suggest good curb appeal can boost your home’s perceived value by up to 7%. On a $300,000 home, that’s an extra $21,000 just for trimming bushes, pressure washing the driveway, and planting a few pops of color.

Does that mean you need to redo your entire landscaping or install a waterfall in the front yard? Absolutely not. In fact, here’s what moves the needle most:

• Fresh mulch and trimmed hedges 

• Power-washing walkways and siding 

• A bold, freshly painted front door 

• Updated lighting and house numbers 

• A clean, well-kept lawn 

Simple tweaks. Big impact.

Proof in the Picture

Take a look at the before-and-after shot above. Same house. Same bones. But the one on the right? It feels like it’s worth more — because, to a buyer, it is.

The Bottom Line

Curb appeal isn’t just about pretty landscaping; it’s about psychology, pricing power, and positioning your home as the one buyers want. If you ignore it, you risk leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

Thinking about selling? Start with the front yard. It’s the cheapest renovation you’ll never regret.