Curb Appeal Mistakes That Kill Your Home's Value (According to a Contractor)

First impressions are set in 8 seconds. Here's what actually matters vs. what's just expensive.

Curb appeal affects perceived value more than almost any interior improvement — studies show buyers make their initial judgment within 8 seconds of seeing a home from the street. But a lot of curb appeal spending goes in the wrong direction. Here's what I'd prioritize.

Contractor Tips

• The front door is the focal point of the facade and the highest-ROI single improvement for curb appeal. A new door or fresh paint in a bold, appropriate color is worth doing before anything else.
• Exterior paint or siding condition is a pre-qualifier. Before buyers notice the landscaping, they've decided whether the house looks cared for. Peeling paint kills perceived value faster than almost anything.
• Lighting doubles the hours your curb appeal works. Pathway lighting, uplighting on trees, and a front door sconce make a dramatic impact for $200–$600.