You don’t need to be listing your home for sale to care about curb appeal. Sometimes, you just want to pull into your driveway and actually love what you see. But if you are planning to sell in the next year or two, the exterior matters more than you might think, especially when buyers decide within seconds whether they like a place.
According to the National Association of Realtors,92% of agents say improving curb appeal is one of the most effective ways to attract buyers and increase perceived value. Take a good look at that percentage: if the vast majority of realtors recommend boosting curb appeal before listing a home, what does that tell you? That people pay an awful lot of attention to appearances. Nothing wrong with that in this context though; the same research also shows that after remodeling, 60% of homeowners find more enjoyment in their home.
But some things boost curb appeal more than others, and you want to focus on those that bring the biggest ROI. Here’s what’s working in 2025, what’s trending, and what’s timeless.
Modern Landscaping
Today’s curb appeal starts with intention. Clean lines, layered textures, and drought-resistant plants are trending hard. Structured hedges, ornamental grasses, and native plants dominate the smarter landscaping plans. As a bonus, they require less water and lower maintenance, which buyers notice.
You also want to think spatially. Pathways framed with low-profile lighting or stone edging instantly signal a more polished exterior. Raised beds or segmented zones (gravel lounge area, compact herb garden, etc.) add dimension, even on smaller lots.
Windows and Doors
Window replacements aren’t only about energy efficiency. Sure,those savings matter greatly, but visually, frames and trims do just as much heavy lifting. Black window frames continue to trend for their clean contrast and modern look, but if your exterior is darker, taupe and bronze-toned frames are a great option.
As for doors, the “statement front door” is no longer code for “paint it red and call it a day.” Full-light doors, wide sidelights, or pivot-style entries are getting attention in design-forward neighborhoods. Even without replacing the door, you can add smart touches: new hardware in matte black or satin brass, vertical house numbers, or insets with privacy glass.
Siding and Exterior Finishes
Vertical siding continues to make waves, but texture is what really adds depth. Board and batten is still popular, especially in transitional styles that mix classic and modern. But composite siding with integrated insulation panels is increasingly favored for performance andlong-term ROI.
Color-wise, mid-tone grays and muted sage greens are slowly replacing the all-white and charcoal palettes that dominated the past few years. It’s subtle, but that’s the point. Homeowners want something that feels fresh without screaming trend-chaser.
Shutters and Accent Features
Exterior shutters are seeing a bit of a comeback, but not the plastic kind. We’re talking real wood shutters that actually open and close.
Cedar exterior shutters hold up well against weather and insects, especially when sealed properly. They add dimension without clutter, and you can custom-stain them to coordinate with your siding or trim. It’s a small detail, but one that reads as thoughtful and high-end to appraisers and buyers alike.
Lighting and Hardware
Under-lighting on steps. Uplights on trees. Sconces beside the front door with integrated motion sensors. These aren’t just security features (as long as you’re not excessive with it), they’re also visual cues that say the home is cared for.
Hardware matters, too. Mailboxes, door handles, light fixtures, and even gate latches, all of it should feel cohesive. It doesn’t have to match perfectly, but cohesion signals that someone thought through the details (which usually means fewer deferred maintenance issues inside).
Driveways, Walkways, and Edges
Concrete is durable. But stained, cracked, or dirty concrete? It subtracts value fast. In 2025, more homeowners are going with concrete overlays or stamped finishes for a cost-effective upgrade. Others are using stone pavers for the walkway to add contrast.
If the driveway sits front and center on your lot, you have no excuse to leave it looking tired. A reseal can go a long way. Better yet, border it with brick or decorative stone trim. It’s a great way to create some visual framing that feels intentional, not just utilitarian.