It felt like it would never happen, but spring has finally sprung in metro Detroit. With the grass and trees greening up, birds serenading us, and the real estate market buzzing, it's an exciting time for both buyers and sellers. The market is witnessing a surge in inventory as many homeowners believe this is the ideal time to list their properties. So it’s officially time to spruce up exteriors, start thinking about landscaping, and preparing outdoor living areas to maximize appeal to homebuyers. I’ve put together some easy, relatively low cost ideas to maximize spring curb appeal and make a lasting impression with potential homebuyers.

General Spruce-up

First things first, it’s time to put away any lingering out of season decorations, snow shovels, or dead plants, and clear off all pathways, patios, decks and other living spaces of debris, fall leaves, and so forth. Pay special attention to entrances buyers may use to enter the home and check out the back yard. Sweep surfaces, or even better yet, have your home’s exterior and surfaces power washed to remove any mildew, grime, or dirt.

Clean windows inside & out - this will help with interior photos too!
Sweep out door jams coming into the home, and lubricate any squeaky doors.
Replace any burnt out light bulbs on exterior lights. (Always make sure indoors or out that all your bulbs are the same color temperature!)
If you have path or garden lighting on stakes, adjust the lights so they are all straight and orderly. Check that any uplighting is directed towards focal points.
Minimize visual clutter from trash cans, compost bins, AC units, or utility boxes with strategic plantings or decorative fencing.

Add Spring Color

Although spring bulbs like daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and other early flowering plants need to be planted in the fall, there’s no need to worry if you missed that window. The great news is that many garden centers begin stocking spring blooms as early as April, and usually the flowers are already in bloom. This can simplify planting since you can see exactly which colors you're planting where, which will give you an advantage over someone planting fall bulbs. Last year I planted over 400 spring bulbs and while I tried to stay organized and plan where I wanted everything to go, I had to just hope the packaging ID was correct and everything would look good together. But if your plants are blooming, it’s a lot easier to visualize how different varieties will work together. Adding a few of these colorful blossoms to your garden or in planters near your entryway can significantly enhance your home's curb appeal, making it feel more welcoming and inviting.

*Some of the spring flowers I saw in “big box” garden centers this spring.*

A pleasant scent can really help set a great first impression and commit an experience to memory - like a favorite old song, a great scent can transport you back in time or fill you with nostalgic memories. Many a Realtor knows the old trick of baking cookies during an open house. You can do the same thing with spring flowers. Hyacinths give off a wonderful aroma and are the most heavily scented of the spring flowers. I especially recommend using hyacinths near your front entry way or whichever door the lockbox will be on.

I absolutely remember that when I first toured my current home the wisteria was blooming and the entire yard was awash in color and an intoxicating scent. It definitely helped me fall in love with the place even though most of the yard was pretty neglected and overgrown. Don’t underestimate the power scent and color can have over emotions.

Later in the season, a good alternative to spring bulbs are pansies. They will put up with chillier temperatures and bloom consistently until it gets really hot outside. (if you keep them watered during their summer dormancy they will bounce back and start blooming again in the fall.)

Enhance Your Landscaping

Many sellers might be hesitant to invest in adding shrubs or less hardy plants before the frost date passes, especially since their choices might not align with the preferences of potential buyers. While it may not be practical add plants to the garden at this time, there are still plenty of ways to freshen up your yard and make it appealing to homebuyers. By providing a good clean slate, the buyer will be able to envision how they would use the space.

Rake leaves and clean out garden beds.
Put down a fresh layer of mulch
Create clean edges along walkways and flower beds.
Make sure garden gates are in good repair and open/close easily.
Remove dead plants from raised beds
Prune and trim trees and bushes to remove dead branches and improve shape
Mow grass and re-seed any bare spots
Consider putting down stepping stones in any high foot traffic areas

*You have to appreciate how absolutely pristine this backyard is, with clearly defined raised beds, and a tidy stone and paver surround.*

Create an Inviting Entry

Getting into a listing is never an instant process. It usually involves the agent having to look up a lockbox code or access an app to get to the key, getting the key out of the lockbox and then fussing with the lock. It often can take a minute or two to get in. In the meantime, the buyer is just taking in what’s around them. I feel like this is often a missed opportunity to make a great first impression. It’s well worth it to give the front entry a little love before the home goes on the market. You want to create an atmosphere where the buyer is finding unexpected things that delight them. And again, simple, easy touches can go a long way.

*Bright, colorful shutters, a coordinating front door with a colorful wreath, a comfy spot to sit, and a riot of spring flowers help this bungalow knock it out of the park when it comes to curb appeal.* *These sellers did everything right.*

Put out a fresh welcome mat.
Put a wreath up.
Add some planters near the front door with seasonal flowers
If your mailbox or house numbers are near the front door, consider replacing them with something new, or at least give them a good deep clean and possibly a fresh coat of paint.
If your porch has space for seating, add a comfy chair or two.
Upgrade your door hardware, give the door a fresh coat of paint, or consider replacing the door if it needs it.
Before the lockbox goes up, spray the key with WD-40 and lubricate your lock to make it easier to use.
A new light fixture near your front door can add appeal without the expense of re-doing all the outdoor lighting.

Bottom line is you want to give the buyers’ eyes a pleasent place to rest while waiting to get inside the house.

Emphasize Outdoor Living Space

Even if there's still a bit of chill in the air, it's essential to showcase the potential of your outdoor living spaces to prospective buyers. By making areas like patios and decks more appealing, you can help them envision the time they'll spend outside once the weather warms up. Consider adding stylish and comfortable furniture, as well as setting the scene with cozy throws, outdoor rugs, and accent pillows. Staging these spaces effectively can create an inviting ambiance, allowing buyers to imagine themselves enjoying al fresco dining, entertaining friends, or simply relaxing in their future outdoor oasis. A good outdoor living space effectively can make a home feel larger, so this is an especially important tip if you’re selling a smaller home.

Set up patio furniture and clean cushions. Add extra pillows for pops of color.
Before photos/showings open up patio umbrellas, and uncover grills and fire pits.
Add a colorful planter or two.

Final Thoughts

Spring is an outstanding time to sell a home, and creating a great first impression starts with your home’s exterior. You’d be surprised by how much a bit of elbow grease and some new accessories can really transform a space and make it feel fresh and welcoming, and the effort will pay dividends once the offers start rolling in!

Spring Curb Appeal Ideas to Win Over Buyers