When selling your home, curb appeal matters. It is the first thing potential buyers see, and it determines whether or not your home feels inviting.

According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, curb appeal is important to more than 70 percent of homebuyers — if they don’t like the way a home looks from the outside, they often won’t even go inside.

Keeping up with curb appeal, however — especially during the changing seasons — can be a challenge. As the leaves begin to fall and your grass begins to brown, there are some things you can do to help keep your autumn yard looking beautiful.

Keep Leaves Cleaned Up — If you have trees in your yard that shed their leaves in fall, raking can become a regular task, and an important one. While a few fall leaves add some color to your lawn, too many leaves piled up gives the impression you simply don’t care. If you don’t like raking, try a blower, vacuum or lawn sweeper instead. Whatever method you choose, keeping your yard clear of leaves and debris keeps your landscape looking neat and tidy. While you’re at it, check your gutters for dead leaves, as blocked gutters can lead to water damage.

Don’t Stop Watering — Summer may be over, but now’s not the time to cut off the water supply to your lawn. Water your lawn deeply for an hour or so (apply about an inch of water), unless of course, you’ve had a recent soaking rain. Water keeps your lawn looking healthy and green as long as possible.

Trim Trees and Bushes — For your home to have any curb appeal, it must be visible from the road. Keep trees, shrubs and bushes neatly manicured and remove overgrown branches that block the view of your home from the street.

Plant Fall Flowers — Mums, goldenrod, and fall crocuses are just a few examples of beautiful fall-blooming flowers to add some color to your landscape. Talk to the experts at your local plant nursery for recommendations on the best plants for this time of year in your climate.

Touch Up the Mulch — Get rid of old, grayed mulch and put down a fresh application of it in all of your garden beds. The sharp color of new mulch will really make the colors of your fall plants pop.

Update Exterior Lighting — If you want homebuyers to see your home in the right light, start by checking that all exterior lights along the walkway and in the front entranceway are working properly. Update the light fixtures with new ones, or simply clean and paint the ones you already have. If it’s in your budget, add accent lighting around your favorite landscaping feature, or simply add lighting the walk from the curb to the front door. The right touch of ambiance can say a lot about your home.

Freshen the Paint Job — Update the exterior of your home with a good paint job. A fresh coat of paint is an attention grabber and can help give your home a little extra value. To match your existing color, scrape a bit of the paint off your home and take it to your local paint store. Don’t worry about making a statement with your color; anything too crazy can reduce the value of your home.

Clean Up Water Features — Remove visible algae, remove leaves and clean filters of any outdoor water features, including fountains and birdbaths. If they don’t function, consider removing them from your yard so it won’t create a bad first impression.

Clean Up Dirty Surfaces — Blast dirt and debris off your sidewalk and driveway using your garden hose set to its strongest setting. If you have stubborn dirt or stains, consider renting a pressure washer at your nearest home improvement store. Keeping the outside of your home clean and tidy is just as important as cleaning your home inside.

Decorate for the Season — Tasteful fall decorations can go a long way in adding a touch of curb appeal. Although fun, if you’re trying to sell your home, skip the Halloween decorations and stick with general autumn décor. Gourds and pumpkins, a simple scarecrow and a fall wreath on your door give a seasonal welcome to potential homebuyers.

Remember, first impressions matter. Sometimes, the first impression of your home can be a deal maker or deal breaker for potential homebuyers. Don’t let a lack in curb appeal keep interested buyers away.

Planning a move this fall? Contact me @ 281-541-5600 or cyrus@saffariteam.com