What Are the Dos and Don’ts of Boosting Curb Appeal in the Winter?

People often look forward to winter because of the coziness it brings and all the fun activities it offers. However, this season can be challenging for those trying to sell their home. During the warmer months, flowers and greeneries can naturally make a property more attractive, but this is more difficult in winter. Fortunately, there are several ways you can keep up with your home’s curb appeal this winter. In fact, it can be as simple as taking proper care of your seamless gutters. 

Here are the dos and don’ts of winter curb appeal. 

How Can You Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal?

Check the Condition of Your Roof

Your roof is among the most important parts of your home’s exterior. It offers protection from harsh outdoor elements and extreme weather conditions. Taking proper care of your roof is essential to maintaining your home’s curb appeal.

Over time, stains can form on the roof’s surface, making your house look unattractive. You can avoid this issue by investing in regular maintenance and cleaning. A roof that is in pristine shape will give prospective buyers peace of mind when they are considering purchasing your property. This tells the buyer they don’t need to worry as much about leaks or costly repairs. 

See If Your Gutters Are in Good Shape

Gutters protect your siding, exterior walls, basement, foundation and landscaping from the damaging effects of excessive moisture. When clogged, they will fail to do their job, which is to divert water away from your home. This can lead to roof damage, basement flooding, costly foundation issues and landscaping erosion. 

Leaves, twigs and other debris in your gutters can retain moisture. During winter, standing water in your gutters can freeze, which can be damaging to the system. When your gutters clog during this winter, snow won’t flow properly from your roof. Snow will continue to accumulate on your roof, which can over time result in significant damage. Buyers won’t want to invest in a property with many issues. You can save yourself from these problems by having your gutters routinely cleaned. 

Heated gutter systems may also be beneficial for people selling their homes. At Barry Best Seamless Gutters, we install Helmet Heat, a simple cable installed in your roof that automatically heats up just enough to prevent moisture from freezing in your gutters. The cable will start heating up when temperatures are low and ice is forming on your roof, preventing icicles from forming in your gutters. During the warmer months, the cable cools down to keep your roof from overheating. 

Clean Your Windows

Clear and presentable windows can make a significant difference in the overall appearance of your home. Dust, salt, grime and dirt buildup on your windows can scratch their glass. This winter, it’s a good idea to check if your windows need cleaning. 

Clean windows will allow more natural light and reduce your dependence on artificial light, helping you save on energy costs. They will prevent your living spaces from looking gloomy and make your home feel more inviting. However, cleaning windows may be more challenging in winter. Hiring a reliable professional will ensure that your windows are spotless and damage-free. 

Tidy Up Your Lawn

There might not be grass on your lawn during winter, but it doesn’t mean that you should simply leave it alone. During the colder months, keeping your lawn tidy is still essential. Doing so will give potential buyers a picture of what your yard looks like in the warmer seasons. Routinely raking up leaves and other debris on your yard will help it look nice no matter the season. 

Invest in Good Outdoor Lighting

Good lighting is necessary for both your indoor and outdoor spaces. A house with sufficient outdoor lighting will look safer and more attractive to prospective buyers. Consider installing path lights to brighten the steps leading to your entry door. You can also install decorative lighting like lanterns or scones near your front door.  

Add Pops of Color

Some pops of color here and there could benefit your home’s curb appeal. For instance, choosing a bold color for your front door will add warmth and vibrancy to your property, especially during winter. 

Replace Your Old Mailbox

How long has it been since your mailbox was installed? If it’s looking worn or deteriorating, it may be time to get a new one. You can also paint it with a different color if it’s still in good condition to give it an updated look. Just make sure to paint your mailbox indoors if it’s cold outside since some types of paint don’t adhere well in cold conditions. 

Update Your House Numbers

A simple project that can add to curb appeal is updating your house numbers. This can make your property look more eye-catching. Choose a style that complements your home’s style and color noticeable from afar. 

Things You Shouldn’t Do to Keep Your Home Appealing

Place Your Garbage Cans in a Noticeable Location

Throwing trash to its rightful place is great, but you shouldn’t put garbage cans where people can easily see them. The garage is often an ideal location for your trash bins or recycling. Placing them where they are too obvious can be a turn-off to buyers. 

Keeping Decorations Up Long After the Holidays

Once the holidays are over, make sure to take down your decorations outdoors. While some prefer to leave their lights up throughout the year, it isn’t a good idea if you are putting your property on sale. It can give potential buyers an impression that the house is not being taken care of properly. 

Leaving Winter-Related Items Outdoors

Like holiday decor, you shouldn’t leave winter-related items outdoors like snow boots, shovels and toys. These items can make your house seem messy. When selling a home, you want buyers to see a clean slate, where they can make new memories with their families.  

Leave Snow to Pile Up

You don’t want your property to look disheveled when prospective buyers come to visit. If you are thinking about selling your home this winter, don’t let snow accumulate outdoors. It will make your house not only cleaner and nicer but also safer. 

Not Trimming Trees and Other Plants Surrounding Your Home 

It’s not uncommon for people to overlook their landscaping and trees during the colder months. However, if you’re listing your property, you should keep your garden in good shape all year around. Doing so will give prospective buyers a clear view of your beautiful home. Keeping trees and bushes trimmed will prevent your property from looking disheveled. 

Delaying a Gutter Replacement

Are you seeing cracks in your gutters? This is a sign that your gutters are leaking and no longer doing their job. In some cases, your gutters may look okay from a quick glance, but they actually have small cracks. You won’t know a leak is there until the next rainstorm comes. Repairs may be possible but if the damage is extensive, a total replacement is often the better option. 

When it’s time to replace your gutters, make sure not to delay the project. If you still have sectional gutters, consider switching to seamless. They are custom-made to fit your home, meaning they will be the right size and shape to protect the structure. Because they have minimal seams, they are easier to maintain and more unlikely to leak. Since seamless gutters are not prone to leaks, they often have a longer lifespan.