When the cold weather comes to northeastern Pennsylvania, we tend to retreat into our homes and curb appeal falls to the wayside. But, if you have a house for sale this autumn, you want homebuyers to fall for your real estate listing before they even walk through the front door. Here are some simple yet sophisticated ways to take your curb appeal from bland to beautiful this holiday season!
1 - Lovely Landscape
Landscaping can amount for up to 15% of a home’s value*, so keeping your lawn pristine in the fall is a must. Leaves falling off the trees are beautiful, but raking should be done regularly to give your front yard a clean-cut look.
2 - Mums the Word
Chrysanthemums are a fall flower favorite. You can buy them in an array of seasonal colors from local nurseries like Roba Family Farms in Abington Township or Dundee Gardens in Nanticoke. Grab two bouquets, place them in decorative vases and frame the front door with them.
3 - Welcoming Wreaths
Maybe you put out a wreath for Christmas or have one that you decorate for each holiday. This year decorate your front door with a warm and inviting fall wreath. You can buy an already-made version, or if you’re crafty make one yourself! To really up that autumn flair, used fall-inspired materials like burlap or cornstalks.
4 - Light it Up
When daylight saving time ends and the clocks are turned back, we all know that the sun will set earlier as well. If you don’t already have lights that illuminate your walkway or porch, invest in some to create a warm winter-is-coming ambience. Charming lanterns, rustic sconces, or string lights are just a few ways you make sure homebuyers will see your listing all fall long!
5 - Quaint Paint
Before the winter really comes to NEPA, add a fresh coat of paint to your house for sale. Not only could your home use the seal of weather protection, but adding a new or fresh color also adds curb appeal.
6 - Gourds Galore
Gourds are a fall staple just about everywhere you go. Placing an array of them on your porch or front steps, along with pumpkins or squashes, creates a truly comforting curb appeal. For an additional autumnal element, take an old wagon or wheelbarrow, park in in your front lawn, and fill it with the popular fall crops!
7 - A Festive Greeting
One of the first things any buyer will notice when visiting your house for sale is your doormat. Choose one that has fall flair or a Thanksgiving theme. Whether you opt for cute or colorful, rustic or outdoorsy, you can’t go wrong! A doormat can make buyers feel at home before they’ve even stopped inside. Get crafty and make your own! Check out our tutorial here.
8 - Mailbox Makeover
Decorate your mailbox with fall flowers or cornstalks to bring out some fall flavor, or spray paint your mailbox a cheery autumn color like red, orange, or yellow. It’s a small and inexpensive change that can have a big impact!
9 - Pumpkin Planters
Forget boring old planters! Put fall florals in carved out pumpkins for a décor choice that completely changes up the fall style game. You can find instructions on how to make this happen online.
10 - Seasonal Seating
If you already have a porch swing or other seating you love, decorate them with fall throw pillows and cozy blankets to create a homey environment. Or take it a step further and purchase a brightly colored bench for your yard. This offers the perfect spot to watch the leaves change.
With these easy and inexpensive additions, your real estate listing will get a fall facelift and can help put your home for sale above the rest. Looking for ways to boost your curb appeal no matter the season? Check out our guide here!
*Source: The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) by Alex X. Niemiera, Extension Horticulturist, Department of Horticulture, Virginia Tech.
