Maximizing Your Home’s Value: Curb Appeal Tips

Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or simply want to take pride in your property, this is the perfect time to elevate your curb appeal. A home’s exterior is the first thing buyers notice — and in competitive Denver neighborhoods like Highlands, Sloan’s Lake, LoHi, and Jefferson Park, a polished presentation can significantly increase perceived value and buyer interest.

At Highlands Property Group, we view curb appeal as more than aesthetic — it’s an investment strategy. The right improvements not only enhance first impressions but also deliver a measurable return when it’s time to sell.

Below are seven data-backed ways to maximize your home’s value.

1. Elevate Your Landscaping Game

Healthy, vibrant landscaping sets the tone for your entire property. Focus on creating a balanced design that complements your home’s architecture.

Add pops of color with seasonal blooms like marigolds, petunias, or geraniums. Fresh mulch gives your beds a clean, well-kept look and helps retain moisture. Consider low-maintenance perennials such as lavender, salvia, or yarrow — all thrive in Colorado’s semi-arid climate.

📊 According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), landscaping improvements can increase home value by 10–15% and reduce time on market by nearly 30%.

Pro Tip: Incorporate native plants to minimize water use and maintenance while appealing to eco-conscious buyers.

2. Refresh and Revive Your Exterior

Small exterior upgrades can dramatically impact curb appeal. Start with a power wash to remove dirt and pollen from siding, walkways, and driveways. Clean windows both inside and out to maximize natural light.

Repainting your front door in a modern, bold hue — deep navy, sage green, or matte black — creates instant contrast and sophistication.

Update smaller details like door hardware, house numbers, and mailboxes to achieve a cohesive look.

💡 Homes with freshly painted exteriors can recoup up to 80–85% of the project cost at resale, according to Zillow’s 2024 Paint and ROI Report.

3. Create a Warm, Inviting Entryway

The front entry sets the emotional tone for buyers. Hang a seasonal wreath, replace worn doormats, and add planters with bright florals or topiary evergreens.

Lighting and symmetry are key — add matching sconces or decorative lanterns to highlight the door and walkway.

Pro Tip: Use layered lighting (overhead, accent, and pathway) to create depth and atmosphere, particularly for twilight showings.

4. Add Outdoor Lighting for Evening Charm

Outdoor lighting enhances both safety and ambiance. Use solar-powered or LED fixtures along walkways and garden edges, and install subtle uplighting on trees or architectural features.

Buyers touring after work hours will appreciate the inviting glow and sense of security.

📈 The National Association of Home Builders reports that exterior lighting consistently ranks as one of the top 5 features desired by buyers nationwide.

5. Stage Your Outdoor Living Spaces

Colorado buyers love indoor-outdoor living. Make patios, decks, and porches feel like natural extensions of your home. Arrange furniture neatly, add colorful cushions, and incorporate details like string lights, outdoor rugs, and potted plants to define the space.

If space allows, consider a fire pit, bistro set, or hammock to evoke relaxation and lifestyle appeal.

Pro Tip: Homes with defined outdoor spaces can see listing photos generate 25% more engagement online (Realtor.com, 2025).

6. Handle Minor Repairs and Maintenance

Don’t let small issues overshadow your home’s charm. Tighten loose railings, repaint chipped shutters, and patch minor cracks in walkways.

Clean gutters and downspouts, replace broken screens, and ensure all exterior lighting and irrigation systems work properly.

In Denver’s competitive market, well-maintained homes signal “move-in ready” to buyers — a major advantage.

💡 According to HomeLight’s 2024 Seller Survey, well-maintained homes can sell for up to 10% more than comparable properties needing visible repairs.

7. Highlight Curb Appeal in Your Listing Photos

Once your updates are complete, capture your home at its seasonal best. Professional exterior photography during summer can pay dividends when you list in the fall or winter.

Vibrant landscaping and natural light make your home stand out on digital platforms.

Pro Tip: Include twilight or drone photography to showcase outdoor lighting and property depth — especially effective for homes with large lots or corner positions.

Investment Perspective: Why Curb Appeal Matters for ROI

Curb appeal improvements aren’t just cosmetic — they’re measurable investments. According to a 2024 Remodeling Impact Study, exterior upgrades provide the highest average return on investment of any home improvement category, often outperforming interior renovations.

For investors or homeowners planning to sell within the next 12–18 months, focusing on visual impact and maintenance ensures your property commands top dollar and attracts qualified buyers quickly.

At Highlands Property Group, I work with clients to strategically balance cost, design, and return potential to create upgrades that align with your long-term goals.

Let’s Maximize Your Home’s Value Together

Whether you’re ready to sell or simply want to increase your property’s long-term value, I can help you identify the upgrades that offer the highest ROI for your neighborhood and price point.

📩 Ready to begin? Contact Highlands Property Group to schedule a personalized consultation or complete our Home Buyer Intake Form to get started.