When you’re preparing to list your home for sale, first impressions are everything. The outside of your home is the first thing people notice, and it can greatly influence a potential buyer’s interest or set the tone for how quickly your home can sell.
A clean, well-maintained exterior enhances your home’s perceived value, generates excitement for what lies within, and ensures professional photos showcase your property in the best possible light. Simple improvements like landscaping touch-ups, paint touch-ups, and even pressure washing can dramatically boost curb appeal and visual impact.
The following article explores key steps and strategies to help you get your home’s exterior ready for showings and real estate photography, ensuring it looks its absolute best from every angle.
Why Exterior Preparation Matters
When buyers browse homes online or drive by your property, they form opinions within seconds. Similarly, when staging a home, designers need a clean, well-prepared environment to execute their work efficiently. Benefits of preparing your home’s exterior include:
- Enhanced curb appeal for listings and photos
- Better first impressions during showings
- Increased resale value
- Protection of existing features during construction
Start With a Clean Slate
Cleaning is the foundational step in exterior preparation. Dirt, mildew, cobwebs, and stains can make even the most charming home look neglected.
Exterior Surfaces
Wash siding, brick, stucco, and trim to remove accumulated grime. This not only refreshes your home’s look but can also reveal hidden issues like water damage or rot that you may need to address before a sale.
Windows and Doors
Clean all glass thoroughly inside and out. Remove debris from sills, polish metal fixtures, and ensure screens are intact. Shiny windows make a huge difference in listing photos and light perception during showings.
Gutters and Rooflines
Clear leaves, twigs, and moss from gutters and downspouts. A cluttered roofline is a red flag to potential buyers and can get in the way of a home inspector, who may flag it as a sign of poor maintenance. Blocked gutters can lead to water damage, roof deterioration, and foundation issues – problems that not only raise concerns during inspection but may also reduce your home’s market value.
Driveways and Walkways
Remove weeds from cracks, sweep thoroughly, and consider professional surface cleaning to restore concrete or pavers to a fresh, uniform look. Oil stains and grime can be distracting in real estate images or create safety issues for work crews.
Address Necessary Repairs
Once your exterior is clean, take a walk around your property and inspect everything with a critical eye.
Siding and Trim
Look for peeling paint, cracked panels, or warped boards. These can be quick DIY fixes or may require professional touch-ups depending on the scope.
Roof and Gutters
If you notice missing shingles, sagging gutters, or rusted flashing, now’s the time to repair them. Not only will buyers notice these details, but they could also delay a sale if ignored.
Fences and Railings
Ensure fences are upright, gate latches work, and railings are secure. Fresh paint or stain can give aging wood a new lease on life.
Lighting and Fixtures
Replace any broken or outdated exterior lights, doorbells, or mailboxes. Opt for neutral, contemporary styles that add function and charm without overpowering the facade.
Landscape for Impact
You don’t need a professional landscaper to make a big impact on your yard’s appearance. Focus on cleanliness, balance, and low-maintenance beauty.
Lawn and Edging
Keep the grass trimmed and edged neatly along driveways, walkways, and flower beds. Brown patches should be reseeded or patched with sod if time allows.
Shrubs and Trees
Trim overgrown bushes, remove dead limbs, and prune trees to frame, not obscure your home. This is especially important for photography and curbside appeal.
Flower Beds and Planters
Add color with fresh mulch and seasonal blooms. Even a few potted plants at the entrance or on a porch can soften the look and create a welcoming feel.
Stage the Exterior Like You Would the Interior
Staging isn’t just for living rooms and kitchens. A few curated touches can dramatically improve the way your home is perceived.
Porch and Entryway
Sweep the porch, remove cobwebs, and add a fresh doormat. Place a small bench or chair and a couple of throw pillows or potted plants to make the space feel lived-in and inviting.
Outdoor Furniture
Arrange patio sets neatly or remove worn-out pieces entirely. Clean cushions, straighten chairs, and ensure everything looks intentional. In photos, this helps buyers imagine themselves enjoying the space.
Garage and Driveway
Remove clutter from the driveway and open garage areas. Store tools, sports equipment, or bins out of sight. A clean driveway is more attractive and signals that the property has been well cared for.
Prepare for Photos and Showings
Once the exterior is cleaned, repaired, landscaped, and staged, take steps to ensure everything looks its best during photos or in-person visits.
Lighting
Photographers prefer shooting in the morning or late afternoon for the best natural light. However, make sure all exterior lights are working in case twilight photos are scheduled. Turn on porch lights or landscape lighting as needed.
Vehicles
Move cars out of the driveway and ideally off the street during photo sessions. They can block the view of your home and clutter the composition.
Trash and Yard Tools
Hide trash bins, hoses, lawn equipment, and children’s toys. While these are practical necessities, they don’t belong in real estate marketing materials or the background of a photo.
Plan for Easy Access During Showings
Real estate agents, photographers, inspectors, and potential buyers need clear, unobstructed access to your property both for practical purposes and to form a positive first impression.
Clear Outdoor Pathways
Ensure walkways, driveways, and paths leading to the front door are free from clutter, debris, and overgrown landscaping. Trim bushes and hedges, remove seasonal decorations, and store hoses, tools, or toys out of sight to keep the exterior tidy and inviting.
Highlight Landscaping, Don’t Hide It
Attractive landscaping can boost your home’s visual appeal, but it shouldn’t block views of the house itself. Prune trees or shrubs that obscure windows, signage, or architectural details. Make sure outdoor lighting is visible and working properly for evening showings.
Mind Pets and Personal Items
During showings or open houses, it’s important that visitors can explore freely. Keep pets secured indoors or with a friend to avoid distractions, and store fragile or personal items somewhere safe to reduce the risk of damage or theft.
Maintain the Look Until the Job Is Done
The key to a successful sale is consistency. Once you’ve refreshed the exterior, commit to keeping it that way. Set a schedule for watering plants, mowing the lawn, and sweeping porches or driveways.
For showings, keep a checklist:
- Porch lights on
- Cushions fluffed
- Doormat clean
- Trash out of sight
- Windows wiped down
Set the Stage for Success
Whether your goal is to impress potential buyers or create the ideal conditions for a transformative renovation, preparing your home’s exterior is an investment in value, efficiency, and confidence.
By taking time to clean, repair, landscape, and stage your outdoor spaces, you show pride of ownership and create a canvas that highlights your home’s full potential. And when the big day comes, you’ll be ready to put your best facade forward.
