It’s August. The kids are starting to head back to school, and fall is creeping ever closer. Before winter arrives, now is a good time to take a look at your home’s exterior and see what needs to be done to keep it and your landscaping looking good.

While some projects may require more time, effort and money, even simple, inexpensive, cosmetic upgrades can really boost the curb appeal of your home and add its value – especially if you’re planning to sell your home soon or are in the process of selling your home.

Here are some of “Bob Vila’s ‘must-do’ projects for August” and a few more.

Update your front door and porch. Add a fresh coat of gloss paint in a vivid color to your front door to contrast with the exterior wall color to draw attention to your home. Or, strip the door down to the natural wood. Replace worn-out looking exterior entry lights with newer stylish ones. Repair broken steps to keep your home from looking run-down. Add flower pots or topiaries for additional interest and color.

Refresh your home’s exterior façade. Consider whether your home could benefit from a new exterior finish such as brick, natural stone, stucco finish, or siding. At the very least, make sure to repair/replace any broken bricks or stones, or cracked stucco or siding. A fresh coat of paint on the exterior and/or trim can do wonders to freshen up your home’s appearance.

Update your windows. Turn two small windows into a larger picture window. Or change a picture window into a bay window for added light into your home. Make sure to replace any broken panes of glass before winter. Add shutters to change your home’s appearance to a more country farmhouse, stately Colonial, Mediterranean villa or beachside saltbox look. Or if your home already has shutters, remove them for a more modern impression. Add window boxes for extra pops of color to enhance your home’s curb appeal.

Change the roof – especially if it’s showing signs of wear. For a new look, you can change your shingle colors, invest in a slate or tile roof, or install a metal roof. Just make sure the new roof complements the overall style of your home.

Freshen up the landscaping. In many places in the U.S. this summer, the drought has taken a toll on the trees, scrubs and other plants. As the weather cools down, remove any dead plants and prune the trees and bushes to open up the view of your home. Replace basic sidewalks with casual stone pathways to make your home’s landscaping more appealing. Add a fence to draw attention to your home (and help keep your kids and pets safe). Install uplights under trees and bushes to highlight your home’s exterior at night and increase safety.

By making a few changes, you can breathe new life into your home’s appearance and make a lasting first impression to potential buyers if you’re selling your home.

If you are in the market for a new home or are making major home renovations, the professionals at Grandview Lending are here to work with you for all of your home loan needs. Give us a call today to learn more.