5 Simple Front Yard Projects Realtors Say You Should Do Every Year

Written by

Jennifer Billock
Jennifer Billock
Jennifer Billock is an award-winning writer, bestselling author, and editor. She is currently dreaming of an around-the-world trip with her Boston terrier.
published May 1, 2023
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Keeping up with curb appeal is essential in case you want to sell your home — or just show it off to the neighborhood. Consider it an annual ritual. Every year, real estate agents recommend heading outside to handle these five front yard projects to keep your home looking its best. 

New Paint

Freshen up your home with a new coat of paint for an instant boost of curb appeal. You may not need to do this annually, but definitely check and see if your house needs a touchup at least once a year — especially if you live somewhere with a lot of weather events.

Yawar Charlie, a Realtor with Aaron Kirman Group of Christie’s International Real Estate, notes that even painting just the front of the house can make a difference in making your home look bright and fresh. If that’s still too big of a project for you, opt to just paint the front door.

“Painting your front door with an attractive, bright color immediately grabs the attention of those walking by,” says Samuel Jung of Century 21 Blue Marlin Pelican in Crestview, Florida.

Fresh Wash

Can’t paint (or don’t want to)? Bust out the power washer! Dirt and gunk likely accumulated on your home throughout the winter, and a swift cleaning can help the siding shine bright once again.

“Pressure washing can bring new life back into the house,” says Tamara White, Realtor and owner of The Thrifty Apartment. “It is quick and easy to do, cost-effective, and instantly adds curb appeal to your home.”

Credit: Getty Images/Lisa Stokes

Living Landscape

A little planting goes a long way, says Casey Napolitano, a real estate agent, broker, and founder at NDA Real Estate. “The most important front yard home improvement is to have a landscape that is actually living!” Napolitano says. “If a guest or potential buyer notices that all your grass is dead, they certainly won’t feel welcomed and they will feel like the seller has deferred maintenance elsewhere in and around the home.”

Try adding some trees, flower beds, or low-maintenance plants, as Aarohi Shah of Century 21 EDGE in Orlando, Florida, advises. She made a big difference in her yard with Sylvester palm trees, foxtails, and decorative rocks.

Lighting

For an instant upgrade to your curb appeal (assuming you cleaned the siding), add in some lighting or replace any dead bulbs in lights you already have outside. “The easiest and most cost-effective front yard renovation is to install outdoor lighting,” says Eric Bramlett, co-founder of Bramlett Residential in Austin. “Outdoor lights may also give a striking visual element to your front yard while also giving you a sense of protection and safety. It can be a great way to make the most out of your front yard by drawing attention to elements like walkways, landscaping, and gardens.”

Small Details

Don’t forget about the small details. If something in your yard has fallen over, fix it. Something broken? Replace it. Consider adding some other touches, like a trellis, new house numbers, an updated mailbox, or refreshed patio furniture. Paying attention to the minute stuff will make your home stand out against a sea of others on the block.