Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Update Your Home's Curb Appeal for Fall

Does your home's exterior have that tired end-of-summer look? The weather has cooled down for outdoor chores, and the growing season is still going strong, so now is the time to spruce up your home's curb appeal. Get ready to greet little ghosts, goblins, and fall holiday guests with these ideas for boosting your curb appeal.

Keep your lawn manicured

Summer may be over, but mowing your lawn isn't. Mow until the season's first frostbite, keeping the grass at medium height. Cutting it any shorter may impede the root system from surviving the winter. Keep falling leaves raked or blown so your grass gets adequate air and sunlight.

Clean and replant flower beds

Tidy up flower beds by removing faded annuals and stray weeds. Rake or blow away leaves and debris, then replant with fall-blooming flowers such as marigolds, chrysanthemums, asters, and flowering kale. Check brick or stone borders for missing or dislodged pieces and replace them. Clean the entire border with a hose or pressure washer.

Trim back shrubs and trees

Help your home have a well-maintained look by trimming tree limbs and shrubs. Prune back unruly stems on shrubs and remove dead leaves and blooms. For safety reasons and the health of your trees, have dead or overhanging limbs removed professionally. This will prevent snow and ice from breaking branches that could potentially damage your roof.

Pressure wash your home's exterior

Soon, the leaves on the trees and shrubs will be gone, exposing your home's exterior to passersby. Now is the time to have your home's siding, sidewalks, and driveway pressure washed by professionals. Check for peeling or chipped exterior paint and add a fresh coat as needed.

Upgrade exterior lighting

The sun sets earlier and earlier in the fall, so outdoor lighting is important for safety reasons. After dark, your home's exterior will also look more inviting to guests and potential buyers. Clean the outdoor fixtures you already have so the lighting is bright and sparkling. After dark, turn on the exterior lighting to assess whether it's adequate. Consider adding flood lights, entrance lanterns, and landscape lighting.

Add a new mailbox

A shiny new mailbox near the street or on the front of the house will give the entire exterior a facelift. The same goes for faded, tarnished, or missing house numbers. For shine and durability, choose brass or stainless steel numbers. You may also consider reflective paint.

Dress up your front porch

If you have a porch or deck, make it livable with outdoor furniture rockers, throw pillows, rugs, and end tables. You'll have extra space for entertaining guests or a place to have coffee on a chilly fall morning.

Decorate for fall

Now that your home's exterior is spic and span, it's time to have fun by adding fall decor. It's a season of color so celebrate with groupings of pumpkins, gourds, and potted mums on the front steps or porch. Finish with a festive fall wreath to the front door.

For more tips on getting your home ready for fall, check out TheHomeMag on Facebook and Instagram. For help, use Marketplace by TheHomeMag to find the best local professionals