How to Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal in One Weekend

By Holly Connors | GetBurbed

You know that feeling when you pull up to a home and something just clicks? The flowers are in bloom, the walkway is welcoming, and the front door practically waves hello. That's curb appeal doing its thing, and here's the exciting part: you can create that same magic at your own home in just 48 hours.

Whether you're getting ready to list your home in Arlington Heights or you simply want to feel a little flutter of joy every time you turn onto your street, a weekend refresh is all it takes. Our brokers at GetBurbed help homeowners prepare their homes for market every day, and we've seen firsthand how a few smart updates can transform the way a home presents from the very first glance.

• Simple updates like a fresh front door color, new hardware, and updated house numbers create instant visual impact
• Power washing your driveway, walkway, and exterior surfaces reveals a cleaner, brighter home in just a few hours
• Strategic landscaping with fresh mulch, trimmed shrubs, and pops of color makes your home feel inviting and well-maintained
• Outdoor lighting and welcoming porch touches set the tone for buyers and guests before they even step inside

Your front door is the handshake of your home. It's what guests and potential buyers focus on first, and giving it some attention yields one of the highest returns on your time investment. A fresh coat of paint can completely change the energy of your entryway, and you can knock this out on a Saturday morning.

Consider colors that complement your home's exterior while adding personality. Deep blues, classic blacks, warm reds, and even soft sage greens are all popular choices in our Northwest suburban neighborhoods. The key is choosing something that feels intentional and welcoming.

• Repaint or restain your door in a bold, complementary color
• Replace outdated hardware with modern handles and knockers
• Add a stylish kick plate for both protection and polish
• Install new weather stripping for a crisp, finished look

Here's a weekend warrior secret our team loves to share: power washing is one of the most satisfying and transformative things you can do for your home's exterior. Winter leaves behind layers of grime on driveways, walkways, siding, and porches that you might not even notice until they're gone.

Rent a power washer from your local hardware store on Friday afternoon and dedicate a few hours Saturday to tackling these surfaces. You'll be amazed at the difference. Concrete goes from dingy gray to clean and bright. Siding looks years younger. Even your front porch will feel brand new.

• Driveway and walkways for a fresh, clean arrival
• Front porch steps and railings
• Exterior siding, especially around the entryway
• Garage doors and any outdoor furniture

Nothing says "this home is loved" quite like well-tended landscaping. The great news is that you don't need a green thumb or a landscaper on speed dial to make meaningful updates. A few hours of focused work on Sunday can elevate your entire property.

Start by trimming overgrown shrubs and removing any dead branches. This instantly tidies up the space and allows your home's architecture to shine. From there, add fresh mulch to your flower beds. It creates clean lines, makes greenery pop, and shows buyers that the home has been cared for.

• Trim shrubs and hedges to reveal architectural features
• Add two to three inches of fresh mulch to all beds
• Plant seasonal flowers in pots or beds for pops of color
• Edge your lawn along walkways and driveways for crisp lines

Small details make a big impression. Faded or outdated house numbers can make an otherwise beautiful home feel neglected. Modern, readable numbers in a sleek metal finish take about 20 minutes to install and give your home a polished, updated look that catches the eye from the street.

Your mailbox deserves attention too. If it's rusted, tilting, or simply tired, consider a replacement or a quick refresh. A fresh coat of paint on the post and some new hardware can make it look brand new without a full replacement.

• Install modern house numbers in a complementary metal finish
• Repaint or replace your mailbox and post
• Add a decorative planter near the mailbox for extra charm
• Make sure your address is visible from the street for guests and deliveries

As the sun sets, your curb appeal shouldn't disappear. Thoughtful outdoor lighting creates ambiance and highlights your home's best features, making it feel welcoming around the clock. Solar-powered pathway lights are affordable, easy to install, and add a warm glow to walkways.

Your front porch is the perfect spot to create a welcoming vignette. A new doormat, a pair of planters flanking the door, and perhaps a small bench or chair all signal that this home is inviting. These finishing touches help buyers picture themselves living there and make your return home each evening feel special.

• Install solar pathway lights along your walkway or driveway
• Update your porch light fixture for modern appeal
• Add a fresh doormat and seasonal planters by the front door
• Consider a small seating area or decorative bench if space allows

Most weekend curb appeal projects can be completed for a few hundred dollars or less. Items like paint, mulch, plants, and new hardware are relatively inexpensive, and renting a power washer typically costs around $50 to $100 for a day. The time you invest creates far more value than the materials.

Fresh landscaping, a clean exterior, and an inviting entryway consistently make the strongest impressions on buyers. Our brokers often recommend focusing on the front door, walkway, and overall tidiness first. These are the elements buyers notice in listing photos and during drive-bys.

Absolutely. First impressions start at the curb, and buyers often make judgments about a home before they even walk inside. Our team at GetBurbed provides full-service staging support to help sellers position their homes for top results, and curb appeal is always part of that conversation.

A single weekend can transform how your home presents to the world. Whether you're preparing to sell in Arlington Heights or the surrounding Northwest suburbs, or you simply want to fall in love with your home all over again, these updates are well worth your time.

When you're ready to take the next step, our trusted local real estate team at GetBurbed is here to help. From expert pricing strategies to full-service staging support, our brokers guide homeowners through every step of the selling process. Reach out today to see how we can help you get the most out of your home.