Last Updated on February 26, 2026
You only have one chance to make a good first impression. Nowhere is that more true than when you’re selling your home—and good curb appeal is key to that impression.
In the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate “2026 Design Trends Real Estate Report”, we can see what matters most to today’s home buyers. And right now, buyers are being drawn to homes with “quiet confidence”: homes that look “balanced, clean, and well cared for”.
Give your home the boost it deserves to meet the demands of today’s home buyers. Here are three simple ways to redefine your home’s curb appeal.
Install “effortless” landscaping
To make your listing stand out, it must look impeccable. And to encourage buyers to make an offer, it must also appear “effortless” to maintain. This year, buyers are attracted to native plantings, permeable walkways, and shaded seating areas in particular. Choose low-maintenance (and preferably environmentally conscious) options to improve your overall landscaping design. Consider your local climate when choosing the best plants for long-term curb appeal.
Read more: 7 Top exterior home projects with the best ROI
Build outdoor extensions
Indoor-outdoor living has been very desirable for several years now. Boost your home’s curb appeal by highlighting the many ways your property supports enjoying the outdoors. Porches, patios, and decks add space to entertain. The addition of an outdoor kitchen makes your home look both inviting and versatile for single-family or multi-generational buyers. If your property already has these spaces, consider upgrading seating, lighting, and amenities. If not, consider building an easy-to-maintain outdoor living space.
Read more: 6 ways to get your patio ready for summer
Paint your front door
Perhaps the easiest way to boost your home’s curb appeal without breaking the bank (or taking more than a weekend) is to paint your front door. A bold, colorful front door can make a lasting first impression. Try a pop of red, green, yellow, or blue as a fun way to inject personality and welcome buyers. While you’re at it, dust any cobwebs around your entrance, and put down a fresh doormat. Buyers will flock to be the first to knock on your newly painted door!
Read more: 8 curb appeal improvements you should make to sell your home for more
Get in touch today to learn more about curb appeal trends and how to boost the value and appeal of your home before you put it on the market.
Howard Hanna Allen Tate Real Estate is the #1 real estate company in the Carolinas, with more than 80 offices and 1,800 agents serving communities across North and South Carolina and Georgia. As part of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, the largest family-owned and operated real estate company in the United States, Howard Hanna Allen Tate offers a full suite of real estate services, including mortgage, insurance, title and relocation. For more information, visit howardhannatate.com.
