Curb Appeal: Make the First Look Count

NEWSLETTERSCURB APPEALHOME MAINTENANCE

Kenneth Bargers

6/5/20262 min read

Curb Appeal – Make the First Look Count

Kenneth Bargers | June 2026 Newsletter

The pleasing look of a property as you approach a home is the eye-candy description of curb appeal. Curb appeal is an evaluation of all properties whether a single-family dwelling, townhome or condominium and could describe the overall view of the property, front door, entry way, courtyard, etc. The curb appeal of a property should complement the home exterior design even as simple as the look of the front door.

First Impression. Before designing your personality’s curb appeal – have a plan! A few overall items to consider are:

Define purpose and functionality
The key should be low maintenance landscaping
Use Layers – contrast and symmetry – mirror the house aesthetics
Always have a focal point
And the most important starting point - make sure the home’s exterior isn’t suffering from an overcrowded design

The Front Door

Updating your front door is the most impactful way to boost curb appeal and attract buyers. Think of your front door as your “Welcome Home”, “Calling Card”, “Headline”.

You see it several times a day as you come and go from your daily routine – it’s your front door! – but do you really see it? How does it look? Your curb appeal includes the front door and maintaining the inviting appearance says more than you may imagine. The March 2025 Newsletter, The Importance of An Appealing Front Door, provides information about how you can improve the look of your front door. (see Related Articles)

Curb Appeal Ideas

Settle on a focal point, like the front porch
Ensure that shrubs and trees aren’t blocking walkways or distracting from the home’s appearance
Trim hedges and manicure any garden paths
Add a window box
Outdoor lighting – whether updating the door entry light or landscape lighting – also consider solar landscape lights for energy reduction
A good cleaning of all windows, garage doors, pressure washing the home including siding materials
Add or update window shutters
Update or repaint your mailbox and post – mirror the color of the home
Highlight unique pathways, trees, and architectural features
Use bold or vibrant contrasting colors for your home’s trim, shutters, and doors
Add fresh mulch
Add seating
Apply a fresh coat of paint to your home’s railings and steps
Plant a mix of annuals and perennials for year-round front yard landscaping with color
Install a trellis
Use hardscaping to reduce lawn care
Improve curb appeal with fencing, lattice, or hedges to conceal items like trash bins (See Related Articles)
Reseed patchy areas and water consistently to maintain lush, green grass
Replace high-maintenance plants with low-maintenance options like ornamental grasses
Install a curved pathway
Use verticals for improving curb appeal with an address sign planter or hanging basket
Opt for decor or landscaping elements that are multi-purpose, like a planter box bench
Embrace your terrain by planting drought-tolerant succulents - large, striking rocks - use creeping plants
Build platforms or tiered planter boxes to create height variations and a more dynamic space
Flower Beds - add color and texture with roses, hydrangeas, petunias, or hostas promoting year-round color
Create natural screens with boxwoods, arborvitae, or ornamental grasses

Videos

Importance of an Appealing Front Door

The Fence: More than a Barrier

Driveway Maintenance

KENNETH M BARGERS LIC 318311 (615) 512-9836 M kb@kennethsellsnashville.com E realestate@nashvillekenneth.com E kennethsellsnashville.com W nashvillekenneth.com W

ADARO Realty LIC 261466 (615) 376-1688 O 1187 Old Hickory Blvd, Suite 125, Brentwood TN 37027 A adarorealty.com W an agency of Crye-Leike Real Estate Services