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Suburban curb appeal competition fuels rapid exterior home upgrades

Lettecha Johnson | Columbia Basin Herald | UPDATED 1 week AGO
by Lettecha Johnson
| June 20, 2026 4:00 AM

A few upgrades to enhance curb appeal can entice prospective buyers and give your home value a nice boost. Now is the time to install a new front and garage door, work on your landscaping, and do some power washing. Consider getting new siding to quickly refresh the outside, while having necessary protection and energy efficiency. 

A RE/MAX report concluded that an unkempt exterior was the biggest turn-off for 46% of respondents when touring homes. Many people think a poorly managed exterior often reflects how well things are maintained inside, which doesn't encourage them to go beyond the door. So be mindful of dead grass and weeds, damaged siding, and water pooling in 

Why Is Curb Appeal So Important?

Your curb appeal matters because it's how your home makes its first impression in the neighborhood, which matters when you place it on the market. can boost home value. If everyone focuses on their curb appeal, it can have a domino effect, triggering rising property values in the area. 

A well-maintained landscape can add 15 to 20% to your resale price, according to Project Evergreen. That's why many real estate professionals recommend that you work on your curb appeal enhancements before placing your property on the market.

Even if you don't plan to sell anytime soon, having a beautiful home from the inside out can create a better sense of happiness and mental health. Many have a greater desire to be in your home after making it look better and more functional.

What Home Exterior Upgrades Should I Focus On?

For budget-friendly curb appeal tips, start with powerwashing to refresh walkways, siding, and driveways to remove dirt and grime. You should also clean your windows inside and out. 

Consider bold accent colors on your front door, trim, and shutters. In addition to keeping your grass cut and removing weeds, you can further clean up your landscape by adding strategically-placed lights along pathways to add charm and provide nighttime security.

Enhance your outdoor suburban home design with mulch to create more defined borders around garden beds. Using mulch of various textures and colors creates an aesthetically pleasing sense of depth.

Start your upgrade and click for Northwest Exteriors, where you can get energy-efficient replacement windows and maintenance-free siding. Install patio covers and enclosures to relax or entertain outside year-round. 

The backyard is also an extension of your home's total curb appeal, as it can often be a deciding factor that seals the deal for a new buyer. More Americans desire to enjoy nature from the comfort of home.

Create an Enhanced Street View with the Right Upgrades

Make curb appeal a priority if you want to make a good first impression, take pride in being in your space, and boost resale value. Start with simple upgrades like exterior cleaning and do more extensive adjustments like new siding and landscape design. From front to back, you can create a bespoke area that makes your home stand out on the block.

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