You may think it’s hard to create curb appeal during the winter months of the year but when you follow these tips it will be a breeze. Living in the great state of Texas we are blessed to have some incredible weather when others are facing snow.

Amping Up the Curb Appeal

Houston metro homeowners don’t have to feel their home listing will feel blah or lack color when they list their home for sale in the winter. In my recent blog post, 7 Reasons Why You Want to Sell Your Home During the 2020 Holidays, you learned holiday lights and decorations add an extra layer of curb appeal.

Follow each of these tips:

Bring On the Color

Would a giving the front door a fresh coat of paint in an eye-catching color make it standout up and down the street? Give it a try. If most homes have brown doors, make yours red. Ask your agent for some color suggestions. It’s an easy solution to catch a buyer’s eye.

From brilliantly colored poinsettias to wreaths of greenery with red ribbons you have many choices to add some color to your front porch and entranceway. Winter pansies are hardy and colorful for additional pops of color along the walk or curbside. When other colors have faded turn to the natural greens of pines, shrubs, junipers, or succulents to be center stage. Don’t forget accent lighting around trees and flowerbeds to create focal points and draw the eye to key areas around the landscape. And if your home is listing in December, accenting with white or colored holiday lights catches the eyes of those driving through neighborhoods to see the lights.

Neat & Tidy

Stand in front of your home and take note of anything which may need repaired, repainted, mowed, or weeded. Make these necessary changes. Agents show homes during the daytime and evenings. Be sure to replace the front porch light with a new bulb.  

Give your yard a dramatic impact by using fresh mulch in red, cedar, or black. Be sure to rake away any fallen leaves before mulching to make the job of mulching easier. If the shrubs are ready for a bit of a trim, take care of this while you’re tidying the yard. In the spring the new homeowners will appreciate how lush the new growth comes in. And lastly, give the yard a fresh mow before a showing or before taking listing photos.

While tidying up, move the trash cans to inside the garage or bin enclosure. Garden hoses and electrical cords should be wrapped-up and stored. In the garage, sort any clutter from the workbench and put your tools away. Park the cars in the garage instead of leaving them in the driveway or parked along the street. The empty driveway will feel spacious and inviting for guests.

Charming is Attractive

Little touches of charm really do make an impact. Hang a door wreath to welcome guests. If space permits add a porch swing with bright cushions or other seating to make the porch feel inviting.

Like the sounds of water? Consider hanging a rain chain from the rain gutter or installing a fountain. Rain chains are mesmerizing to watch during a gentle rain plus allow you to guide rainwater to key spots for collection or directing away from the home.

Each of these things can turn an otherwise gloomy winter day into a bright spot for buyers to visit…and be memorable when viewing more than one home. If you’re in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask me for some suggestions to help you create some curb appeal. I’m happy to answer your questions.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers every year and was the #1 Top Producing agent in 2019 citywide. Sara is an American Dream TV Power Player who shares Houston real estate news with television viewers. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.