Top 5 Winter Curb Appeal Tips

Typically, it’s easy to make your house look attractive when flowers are blooming, the sun is shining or the leaves are changing colour.

But how do you make your property look great during the cold months?

We asked the RE/MAX Influencers—a panel consisting of RE/MAX Sales Associates from throughout Canada—for their top Winter Curb Appeal Tips. Below are their top responses.

1 – Sweep the Leaves, Shovel the Snow

A driveway with a thick layer of snow is much less inviting than a clear pathway leading to the front door of a home. Sweeping leaves and shovelling snow is incredibly important to make your home look its best in the cold winter months.

It’s also a good idea to sprinkle salt or sand on the cleared areas to prevent guests from slipping. Also, remove any icicles that are hanging dangerously above walkways.

2 – Bright Lighting

Bright lighting, both inside and outside a home, can create a warm, welcoming feeling. Well-lit homes will also look great in photos that market the property, especially if those photos are taken at night.

The Holiday Season gives you a perfect excuse to add a bit of decorative lighting to trees or shrubs near the house as well. However, be sure not to go overboard on festive lighting, as you don’t want your property to look tacky.

“Making sure exterior porch and garage lighting is on when potential buyers show up for a viewing makes them feel welcome, despite the cool temperatures.”

3 – Winter décor

Our Influencers suggest showcasing wintery native cedars, holly, pine and evergreen pots at the front entrance or in front of the garage.

During the Holiday Season, Christmas décor such as a seasonal wreath can help make the home its best. However, make sure you don’t leave Christmas decorations up after Dec. 25 has passed.

“Have lights on for evening showings and decorate the front door and entrance. A wreath on the door, a welcome mat and large pot with greenery is a nice addition.”

4 – Landscaping

Trim the bushes, trees and shrubs so the windows and doors are visible outside. This will also allow more light in to brighten up the home when inside.

5 – Other Ideas

We received several other tips to help make your property look great during the cold months of the year:

• Reroute standing water
• Hide outdoor toys
• Make the home smell fresh with candles
• Have summer images available so potential buyers can see what the home looks like in peak season