If you’re putting your home on the market soon, you probably have a long list of chores tied to cleaning and clearing clutter. However, it’s important to not to neglect the outdoor aesthetics of your home, especially during the warmer months. Here are a few tips that almost any homeowner can take on themselves to create curb appeal.

Gutters and Roofs

It’s essential to clear your gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent water from damaging your roof, siding, and other areas of your home, according to information provided by BobVila.com. Even if you gave them a thorough cleaning after the last leaves fell from trees in autumn, you should do the same in spring and check for any damage. If you notice holes, sagging sections, or other issues, they should be addressed quickly so gutters can keep diverting water away from your home. After clearing and repairing gutters, use a hose to pour some water into the network, observe where the water goes, and add extensions if you need to direct water further away from the home’s foundation. 

Spring is also the time to inspect your roof for damage caused by snow, ice storms, and other winter weather events. If you notice any issues, take the time to contact a reputable roofer to conduct a thorough inspection. Consider having repairs made before putting your home on the market since structural issues could impact your appraised value or derail a sale during the closing process. If you’re not sure whether to make roof repairs in advance or simply disclose damage and leave it up to the buyer to repair, your real estate agent should be able to offer advice on the best course to take in your case.

Exterior Cleaning

Once that chore is checked off, rent, buy, or borrow a power washer and drench the driveway and pathways on your property to get rid of grime, rock salt, and other winter residue to beautify your outdoor areas before putting a property on the market. You can also use a power washer or a bucket of soapy water and a long-handled brush to give your home’s exterior a bath, which can add as much as $10,000 to $15,000 to a property’s price tag, according to information from HouseLogic. Give the garage door a good scrubbing, and wash windows inside and out to get you home gleaming.

After the final freeze of the season, you should also spend some time sprucing up your lawn. Clear out any dead plants or debris that may have been hibernating under snow drifts this winter, put down seed or sod to fill in any bare spots, trim overgrown trees and shrubs, and give garden beds a sharp edge.

Beautify Without Spending a Bundle

Adding a few cosmetic touches can also pay off, particularly if you focus on the areas potential buyers see from the street. Try adding colorful containers packed with bright annuals around your front door. While you’re at it, consider replacing your entry door or at least giving it the home renovation equivalent of reconstructive surgery by adding new hardware and a fresh coat of paint. Implement the same strategy with your garage door, especially if it’s a prominent feature on the front of your house. Also, treat the trim and shutters to a fresh coat of color.

While you’re purchasing paint at the home improvement store, you may also want to invest in a new mailbox and house numbers. Create a cohesive look by choosing address numbers that match the finish on your exterior light fixtures. And if you notice your fixtures have seen better days, you might want to consider buying new ones that suit the style of your home.

Spending a little time, energy, and money on some simple DIY outdoor upgrades can add to your property’s price tag and land a sale sooner.