Curb Appeal That Counts: Smart Tips to Make a Lasting First Impression
Easy and affordable ways to boost your home’s exterior and increase its value—especially during Central PA’s spring and summer seasons.
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression!”
— Brad, Team Longenecker
Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or just want to spruce things up for your own enjoyment, curb appeal is where it all starts. First impressions matter—and the exterior of your home sets the tone for what people expect inside. From buyers to neighbors to weekend guests, your home’s curb appeal is a reflection of the care you put into it.
The good news? You don’t need a huge budget or a professional crew to make noticeable improvements. Central Pennsylvania’s beautiful spring and summer seasons provide the perfect opportunity to tackle outdoor updates that enhance your home’s charm.
Why Curb Appeal Matters in Central PA
In a region like Central PA—where historic architecture, leafy neighborhoods, and small-town charm blend together—curb appeal plays a major role in how homes are perceived. Many home buyers form an opinion within seconds of pulling up to a house, so a clean, well-maintained exterior helps set the stage for a successful showing or sale.
20 Curb Appeal Tips for Spring & Summer in Central PA
1. Refresh Mulch Beds
Add a clean layer of mulch to garden beds. Dark mulch gives your landscaping a neat, finished look and helps your plants retain moisture in summer heat.
🛒 Shop: Premium Black Wood Mulch
2. Seasonal Flower Planting
Plant vibrant annuals like marigolds, impatiens, or petunias for an instant splash of color. Focus on areas near the mailbox, porch, and walkway.
3. Add a Decorative Wreath
A fresh floral or greenery wreath on your front door adds seasonal charm and sets a friendly tone.
🛒 Shop: Beautiful mixed greens 26″ wreath
4. Pressure Wash Walkways and Siding
Blast away winter grime with a pressure washer. Clean driveways, sidewalks, porches, and siding to make everything look newer and brighter.
🛒 Shop: Greenworks Electric Pressure Washer
5. Repaint Your Front Door
A bold front door color—like deep blue, cherry red, or classic black—can boost curb appeal and make your entrance pop.
🛒 Shop: Rust-Oleum Door & Trim Paint
6. Upgrade House Numbers
Replace outdated or faded numbers with something modern and easy to read. It’s a small change that adds polish and improves visibility.
🛒 Shop: Metal Floating House Numbers
7. Install Outdoor Lighting
Lighting isn’t just functional—it adds a warm, welcoming glow in the evenings. Try solar path lights or update your porch fixtures.
🛒 Shop: Outdoor Landscape Lights
8. Edge Lawn & Flower Beds
Crisp, clean lines along walkways and garden beds instantly elevate the look of your landscaping.
🛒 Shop: No-Dig Landscape Edging
9. Add Potted Plants
Planters with ferns, ornamental grasses, or mixed flowers can bring life to stairs, porches, and patios.
🛒 Shop: Set of 3 Concrete Round Planters
10. Trim Trees and Shrubs
Cut back overgrown limbs and bushes to open up your home’s façade and keep things tidy.
🛒 Shop: 28″ Loppers for Tree Trimming
11. Paint or Replace Your Mailbox
A freshly painted or stylish new mailbox can tie everything together, especially when paired with flowers or a small garden bed at its base.
12. Install Window Boxes
Window boxes filled with trailing plants or colorful blooms add charm—especially on traditional PA homes with front-facing windows.
🛒 Shop: Self-Watering Window Boxes
13. Replace Your Doormat
Opt for a doormat that reflects your style—simple, seasonal, or with a welcoming phrase. This is a great way to add personality to your home.
🛒 Shop: Adorable Sustainably Made TM Doormats
14. Create a Porch Sitting Area
Even a small bench or rocking chair can add character and signal that your home is cared for and comfortable.
15. Keep the Lawn Green and Healthy
Mow regularly, water during dry spells, and consider reseeding patchy areas in the spring for a lush lawn all season.
🛒 Shop: Granular Lawn Fertilizer
16. Conceal Eyesores
Use shrubs, lattice, or decorative fencing to hide air conditioning units, trash bins, and hose reels.
17. Update Light Fixtures
Modern or vintage-style light fixtures can reflect your home’s personality and enhance visibility at night.
🛒 Shop: Outdoor Light Fixtures
18. Clean or Paint Garage Doors
Garage doors are a major part of your home’s exterior. A fresh coat of paint or a good scrub goes a long way.
🛒 Shop: Wood Look Paint for Your Garage Door
19. Upgrade Your Walkway
If your path is cracked or uneven, consider replacing it with pavers, stone, or concrete. Or simply add stepping stones for charm.
20. Inspect and Repair Window Screens
Torn or worn screens are noticeable from the curb. Replacing them is an easy and affordable fix that keeps things looking sharp.
🛒 Shop: Window Screen Repair Kit
Bonus: Small Details That Matter
- Hang a porch flag or seasonal banner (just avoid over-decorating)
- Add a bird feeder or garden sculpture for character
- Paint porch railings and columns for a clean finish
- Keep your porch or entryway swept and clutter-free
Final Thoughts: Make a Great First Impression
As Brad from Team Longenecker likes to say:
“You never get a second chance to make a first impression!”
That couldn’t be truer when it comes to your home. Whether you’re selling now, planning to sell later, or simply taking pride in your property—investing a little time into your home’s exterior can bring major rewards.
If you’re curious how curb appeal affects your home’s value or you’re thinking about listing, we’d love to chat. We’re proud to serve Central PA homeowners with trusted guidance—whether you’re buying, selling, or just looking for helpful homeowner tips.
Let’s Talk Curb Appeal
Need help getting your home ready to sell? Curious what buyers are looking for in today’s market?
Reach out to Team Longenecker—your go-to resource for all things home in Central PA.
Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you purchase through them.
Hey there, I’m Emmily, your go-to guide for all things home! Bringing you decor inspirations to holiday celebrations and essential maintenance tips. My goal is to make your home life easier and more enjoyable. Don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter for the latest updates and exclusive insights. Let’s turn your house into your dream home together!
