The photo test
Curb appeal spending should be judged by one question: does it change the photo buyers see before deciding to visit? Tidy edges, dark fresh mulch, healthy-looking beds, and clear sightlines to the front door all read instantly in that photo. A $15,000 paver patio mostly doesn't — it's on the back of the house, and the buyer prices it as taste, not value.
Timing matters more than people expect: schedule the cleanup for the week before photos, not the month before, so everything is at peak when the camera shows up.
Common questions
How much should I spend on landscaping before selling?
A cleanup weekend plus $100–$300 of mulch and annuals covers most homes. Add pressure-washing flatwork and siding — cheap and high-contrast in photos.
Do mature trees add value to a home?
Existing mature trees are an asset buyers price in. Installing mature trees to sell is expensive and recovers poorly — plant for yourself, not for a sale.
What does my home's exterior actually need?
Include the front exterior in your walkthrough video — HomeBrief's free analysis covers curb appeal alongside interior rooms, with cost and payback estimates per fix.