How to Maximize Curb Appeal on a Minimal Budget

There are many ways you can maximize the curb appeal of your home, even if you have a small budget. Here are a few tips to spruce up your home without spending a lot of money.

1. Clean up the exterior of your home. A messy or unkempt yard detracts and devalues your home. Remove trash and trash containers. Pick up toys, bikes and other play things and move them into your garage or back yard. Trim back bushes and trees that can obstruct the view, and remove any dead plants.

2. Use paint to add contrast and interest. If your home is in need of a full paint job, but you don't have the funds to do such a large project, consider tackling a few small paint jobs to increase your curb appeal. Door and window trim painting can be accomplished with just a gallon or two of paint. Touching up or repainting the front door, mailbox, garage door and front steps can make a dramatic difference. Keep in mind that a great paint scheme will complement the architectural style of the home as well as the "feel" of the neighborhood. Pink trim, for example, may add value to a Victorian home that has been restored, but will most likely not go over well with neighbors or potential buyers in a neighborhood made up of primarily ranch-style or split-level homes.

3. Consider using container plants to add color and charm to your home. Landscaping projects can be costly, but a few well placed containers of plants or assorted flowers, can brighten up your home's exterior and maximize the curb appeal. If you have a large garage area, place a small tree in a container on each side of the garage front area. Make sure your pots or containers are appropriately sized to add extra dimension.

4. Use inexpensive low-height trellises to hide unsightly air conditioning units, or gas and electric meters. A high trellis can add dimension to a long exterior wall or fence.

5. Repaint your front door in a color that "pops" to add more curb appeal, and distinguish your home from neighboring ones. You can also upgrade outdoor lighting fixtures located near the front entry, or install solar lighting along a front walkway for under $100.

6. Make small repairs. Repairs made to missing porch rails, broken fencing or gates, rusty door hinges and broken lights can all be accomplished in general, with minimal expense.

For more ideas on ways to upgrade your home's curb appeal, take photos of your home from the middle of the street. You will most likely find even more ways to add value to your home, when you can critique it through the eyes of a potential buyer or passerby.