Top Tips to Improve Fall Curb Appeal

A recent RE/MAX report revealed that one of the top 5 deal breakers for Canadians who are househunting is poor curb appeal, with 41% stating it is a deal breaker. The report’s findings demonstrate just how important it is to make a good first impression on potential buyers.

Thankfully, fall can be one of the most beautiful times of year to showcase your home. Use the changing colours of the leaves and cooling weather to your advantage by creating a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. Here are our top fall curb appeal tips:

During fall, it’s not uncommon for people to rake up and bag the leaves sitting on their lawn. But did you know that you can mow over the leaves and be left with a very nutrient-rich mulch? Make a couple passes over the leaves with either a regular lawn mower or mulch mower to chop the leaves into tiny pieces. The leaves will then decompose and help feed your lawn, which reduces the need for other fertilizers.

Not only will you save your back from having to rake up and bag leaves, but you will also help reduce waste by removing the need for any bags at all. 

When mowing your lawn, you can also sweep up your walkway and clear it from any debris. To really give it a “wow” factor, use a power washer to clear up any old stains or dirt. The walkway to your home is the first place anyone viewing your home will step, so ensure it’s nice and tidy!

Fall is known for its beautiful reds, yellows, and oranges. Lean into these warm colours by planting seasonal flowers like late-blooming perennials or leaving out some potted mums. You can also add some season-appropriate decorations like gourds or pumpkins.

The end of summer also means the end of long, bright days. Prepare for the darker months by ensuring your outdoor lighting is functioning properly. Replace any bulbs that have burnt out, or consider adding more lighting if the outside of your home feels too dark.

Washing your windows makes a noticeable difference–especially if it’s been a while since their last wash! Hit them with a power washer (can be rented, if you don’t own one) or hire a window cleaning company to clean them up and make them sparkle.

Summer may be prime patio time, but many buyers enjoy cozying up in outdoor spaces in the fall as well (especially if you have an outdoor firepit!). You can give the space a warmer fall feel by putting out some throw blankets, candles, lanterns, or weather-safe pillows. 

If you do have a firepit, try to make it the focal point of the outdoor space. A warm firepit is very enticing during the fall months, so ensure yours is clean and surrounded by places for people to sit and relax.

Clogged gutters can lead to water damage, which is a costly problem and huge turnoff for buyers. Cleaning out your gutters isn’t a glamorous job, but it will prevent any future problems and show potential buyers that the home is well maintained.

If your front door is looking a little worse for wear, it may be time to spruce it up with a fresh coat of paint. You can repaint with a similar colour or change it up with something new–consider the exterior of your home and what would work best.

Once you’ve repainted, you can throw on a nice fall wreath to top everything off!