First impressions matter when selling your home, and buyers often form opinions before they even step through the front door. Whether they’re scrolling through listing photos or pulling up for a showing, your home’s exterior can influence how they feel about the property. The good news? You don’t need expensive landscaping or major renovations to make your home more inviting. With a few quick and easy curb appeal improvements, you can refresh your home’s appearance on a budget. Here are 12 affordable projects you can tackle in a few hours or over a weekend. Estimated DIY cost: $0–$75 | Time: 1–3 hours A good cleaning can make your home’s exterior look fresher without the expense of repainting. Wash dirty siding, wipe down windows, and scrub walkways and porch surfaces. Use mild cleaners and a soft brush where possible, and be cautious with pressure washers, which can damage paint, siding, and other surfaces. Don’t overlook the smaller details. “I’m wiping things off around the ledges and the door to make sure there are no little bugs or anything like that,” says Denise Madan, a HomeLight Elite Agent serving the Miami, Florida, area. Estimated DIY cost: $0–$40 | Time: 1–2 hours A neat, well-maintained lawn can make your entire property look more inviting. Start by mowing the grass, edging along sidewalks and driveways, and clearing away fallen leaves or debris. If your lawn has bare or brown patches, consider reseeding, but remember that new grass takes time to grow. Small sections of pre-grown sod can provide an immediate green appearance, though they cost more and need regular watering to establish roots. If you’re listing soon, focus on keeping the existing lawn tidy rather than attempting a major overhaul.1. Wash away dirt and grime
2. Mow, edge, and tidy the lawn
