14 Ways to Get Instant Curb Appeal for Less Than $100

First impressions matter. Enhance your front yard so people will stop and stare at the first glance. The good thing is, it doesn't have to cost a fortune.

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By: Jacquelyn McGilvray

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Eye-Catching Charm on a Small Budget

There are dozens of small, inexpensive home improvements that can boost your home's curb appeal. Adding a few upgrades to your house not only makes it easier to sell, but it also gives your house that nice, finished look that you can take pride in. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Paint the Front Door

Most exterior paint costs about $35 a gallon. Painting your front door can add some brightness and revive the look of your entry. Pick a bold color that stands out, but make sure it coordinates with the rest of the colors on your house. Properly prep all surfaces before you paint so you'll get great results that will last for years to come. Read this before you paint your front door .

Find More Ideas: 59 Inviting Colors to Paint a Front Door

Plant a Tree, or Two or Three...

A well-manicured lawn with established trees, shrubs and plants will always boost a home's curb appeal. Start small with a few fast-growing trees and remember to water them often in the first year or so and fertilize in the spring and fall. Trees not only help your home's curb appeal, but they'll also increase your property value, they can reduce your utility bill, improve air quality and reduce stress.

Get the How-To: How to Plant a Tree

Install Window Boxes

If your house is lacking color, try adding window boxes. Install them on the front porch railings as well as below the windows. Window boxes are relatively cheap, or you can DIY them in an afternoon. The flowers and soil may actually cost you more than the box, and remember, you have to maintain the flowers to actually add curb appeal. If you'd rather not add window boxes to your house, then consider adding container gardens in pots and placing them on your front steps or porch.

Learn More: Easy Tips for Adding Beautiful Window Boxes

Clean and Pressure Wash

Give your home’s exterior surface a good spit-shine and polish to make it look fresh and well cared for. Rent a pressure washer and clean the driveway, walkways, fences, gutters, siding and whatever else looks grungy — you can even wash your patio furniture. On the driveway, you may have to use a degreaser before pressure washing to remove oil stains. No matter the surface you’re cleaning, start with the least powerful setting and nozzle to make sure you don’t damage the surface.

Learn More: How to Pressure Wash Almost Everything Around Your House

Replace the Mailbox

If you have a mailbox at the street, consider replacing it if it looks old and shabby. The price of a new mailbox starts at around $20, and a post and concrete won't be much more. When you install your mailbox, make sure you are following the regulations that are set forth by the United States Post Office.

Coordinate Colors

A gallon or two of paint can do wonders for curb appeal, and a cohesive color palette will make your home look more refined and well kept. Whether it’s paint or stain, try to coordinate your home's architectural features like the front door, shutters, trim, railing, posts and garage door. Keep your palette limited to two or three colors; any more colors and the house might look too busy. They don’t all have to match; you can pick one trim color then do a lighter or darker shade for the second color. Another common approach is to have the siding and main trim color be similar in tone, then add a bold accent color, like the home pictured above.

Find More Ideas: 68 Inviting Home Exterior Color Palettes

From: HGTV Magazine

Display House Numbers

If your house numbers are not adding up to chic style, purchase some new numbers or DIY your own display. If your numbers are on the house, try to match the new numbers with the finish of your exterior light fixtures. Simple house numbers can start at $2 per number, or you can look into customized plaques that can cost $50 - $100.

Find More Ideas: 38 Chic Ways to Display House Numbers

Add Window Shutters

If your home doesn’t have shutters, hang a few to add symmetry and personality to the exterior. Shutters should be the same height as the window trim. If they’re not functional shutters, the width should be between 25-50% of the window’s width, unless it’s a really wide picture window. New vinyl shutters start around $40 a pair. If you prefer real wood shutters you may be able to find unique shutters at an architectural salvage shop, but you may have to apply a little elbow grease to paint or refinish them to match your home’s color palette. What’s the best way to install shutters? Use French cleats. This way, you can easily pop them off to clean them.

Find More Ideas: 20 Front Door + Shutter Color Combos We Love

From: HGTV Magazine

Update the Lighting

When buying new exterior light fixtures, consider both the style of your home and the function of the lights. You want them to be able to adequately illuminate your entryway and make it safer. Look for fixtures that have the same mounting system as the current ones that you have to save time and money. Exterior light fixtures can be found from $25 and up. Check salvage shops if you want to try to find vintage lighting to match the age and look of your home.

Find More Ideas: 25 Outdoor Lighting Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Make an Inviting Seating Area

Setting out a few chairs or a bench in your front yard will make it feel inviting and welcoming. Use it as a chance to add color and personality to your curb appeal. Plastic lawn chairs are inexpensive and come in a variety of bright colors. Or reinvent an old piece of indoor furniture by bringing it outdoors — just make sure you give it a coat of weatherproof varnish or fabric waterproofing spray.

Find More Ideas: 3 Budget-Friendly DIYs Perfect for Your Porch

Use Rocks to Fill Voids

If your flower beds are looking sparse and your thumb isn't too green, use large boulders to fill in the open spaces. In this mountain home, the boulders add dimension and year-round interest to the planting beds. Buying big boulders can be pricey, so check new construction sites, where you may be able to get some rocks for free — you may only have to pay for hauling. Also try websites for secondhand goods, like Craigslist or Marketplace, to find what you need.

Find More Ideas: 30 Gorgeous Rock Gardens

From: HGTV Magazine

Define the Yard's Entry

If you have a walkway that starts at the street or sidewalk, make it a grand entrance with planters, a fence, a gate or small columns. Here, the start of the pathway is highlighted by turning back the white picket fence and adding a set of planters.

Find More Ideas: 18 Cheap Fence Ideas

From: HGTV Magazine

Fill the Stoop With Greenery

Even if you don’t have a big front porch you can still make your entryway impressive with planters full of seasonal color and some cute outdoor decor. Plastic planters will keep the cost down, and if you use evergreens and perennials you won’t spend so much at the change of each season.

Find More Ideas: This Outdoor Planter Hack Will Save You Time, Money & Sanity

Give the Garage Door a Refresh

The garage can often take up a large part of a home’s front façade, so you should make sure it's attractive. Little updates like pressure washing, a fresh coat of paint, new faux hardware and window coloring can go a long way. Hardware kits with faux hinges, nail heads and latches — for wood or metal garage doors — cost about $40 and come in various styles to make your door look high-end. You can even get faux garage door windows if your door doesn’t have any.

Learn More: Cheap Garage Makeover With Magnets