The Property Brothers' Best Tips For Boosting Curb Appeal

Why, yes, Property Brothers hosts Jonathan Scott and Drew Scott do believe in love at first sight — especially in real estate. Experts in turning a neglected fixer-upper into a dream home, the twins know that "there is no point renovating the inside of a house to the nines if buyers are going to drive right by it because the exterior is an eyesore." Drew has explained this, highlighting the importance of curb appeal in a YouTube video for HGTV. "This is the buyer's first impression. You have to make a good one, and that will determine whether they're going to drive right by or stop and investigate further."

And whether you want to ensure prospective owners don't kick your home to the curb or you simply want to feel that spark when you pull into your own driveway, the HGTV personalities are eager to help. From landscaping to painting and even upgrading the garage door, they're sharing tips for making a great first impression. Learn how you can make the facade of your home and your front yard shine, with these tips from Jonathan and Drew Scott.

Ensure the grass is always greener on your lawn by setting up a sprinkler system. Doing so, guarantees your grass is watered every morning, which is considered the optimal time of day as it allows the water to absorb into your lawn without immediately evaporating. As Jonathan explained on an episode of the brothers' "Celebrity IOU" series (via Realtor), "California is not easy on grass. Some people water too much, or they don't water enough, and it can get really hot, so their grass dies." To give their clients' lawn life, they added an irrigation system outfitted with "sensors, a schedule, and a pressurized regulator to avoid waste and runoff."

Before you invest in that sprinkler system life, though, you'll want to make sure you've covered all the proper ground. To prepare your lawn for in-ground sprinkler system installation, you'll need to secure all necessary permits and consider what will work best for your space. For those with large, open expanses of grass, a rotor system is optimal as it has a long range and slow watering rate, while spray systems, which employ a set pattern, are ideal for more compact areas.

Not wanting to roll the dice on maintaining grass in the deserts of Las Vegas, Jonathan decided to fake it so he could make it, installing artificial turf on top of polymer-covered sand. As he explained during a tour with CNET: "We'll put on the irrigation system, much like a diaper [the sand and turf] absorb all the moisture, and then over the next week [the water] just slowly evaporates [and] that cools the surface."

Before installing artificial grass, there are a few things you should know. While it is much easier to maintain, you can't cut down (pun intended) on the upfront costs, with Fixr estimating the price of installation to land between $3,000 and $7,500. And, though a high-quality artificial lawn can last for decades, you are trading out all that mowing and edging for other labor. In addition to cleaning up after your pets (something you should do on traditional lawns as well), you'll need to act aggressively to remove any potential stain-causing spills, such as coffee, alcohol, or grease, using a mild detergent. And while the grass doesn't need water to grow, you'll want to rinse the turf regularly to remove any debris that can build up over time.

While Jonathan acknowledges that landscaping can be really expensive, the easiest way to ensure that your shrubbery remains a cut above is simply to "clean it up," he explained in a YouTube video for HGTV. Trimming down stray branches and keeping bushes looking tidy is a relatively simple way to make a good impression. "Having a well-maintained exterior shows pride of ownership, and that's invaluable," Jonathan said. "And it's as easy as just trimming back shrubs."

Or, if you're feeling more adventurous, try one of these landscaping projects that can boost home value. Studies show that having mature trees, a pond, a defined walkway, front yard plantings, or even fresh mulch can increase the value of your spread. Consider tackling multiple projects to truly cash in.

For those that don't love spending their weekend with a weedwhacker in hand, there's an alternative option that kinda rocks. To makeover one property, Drew skipped the lawn work altogether, instead adding visual interest with a non-traditional desertscape made from easy-to-care-for native plants and stone contouring. "Most buyers don't like yard work," he explained in the HGTV video, "so using these rocks and low-maintenance plants, it's perfect for this property." 

And you don't need to reside in a hot and dry climate to let everything come up succulents and other drought-tolerant plants. There are plenty of reasons that a desert garden might be the right choice for you. The arid-loving landscape is optimal for those who want to conserve water or just aren't home enough to care for all manner of flora. It's also great for yards boasting clay soil, as many desert plants can successfully extract minerals from the soil and thrive without regular watering. Look for plants and drought-resistant flowers native to your region, as these will most easily adapt to your yard's conditions.

Don't brush off the value of a couple of gallons of paint. It's one of the easiest ways to level up the outside of your home. And it's not just the siding that could use a refresh. The Property Brothers stars recommended adding a fun pop by painting the front door a contrasting color. "Have some impact," Jonathan suggested in the YouTube clip. "Make a statement." Another bright idea: Polish up your home's vibe by painting the exterior light fixtures. However, "Don't do it the cheap way where people just tape off the wall and spray it in place," Drew cautioned to "Today". Instead, he advised, "Take the light fixture off the wall, remove the glass and then paint it with a metallic paint."

The extra steps are well worth your time, noted Jonathan: "The more time you spend on prep, the less you'll spend with cleanup." That means stocking up on the sort of must-have tools that ensure a flawless home paint job. Lay down drop cloths to catch any drips, painter's tape to score sharp edges, an extension pole to easily reach the top of the wall, and sand paper to smooth out any unsightly bumps between coats.

Features like porches, shutters, and big picture windows may pull focus, but if you don't want potential buyers to drive right past your place, don't neglect your home's entrance. This is particularly crucial if your drive has any unsightly cracks or grease stains. "If given the option to resurface a driveway, I prefer stamped concrete because you can imitate any kind of look — flagstone, brick, even limestone," Jonathan detailed to HGTV. "Also, it holds up just as well, if not better, than a pebble driveway." But Drew would argue, "When done right by a pro, a pebble driveway is a great curb appeal upgrade." And, he noted, you can even place it over your existing concrete without having to rip it out, "So it's not as much of a hassle as you might expect."

While deep fissures might require a pro's help, you can repair minor concrete cracks in your driveway yourself. You'll first want to clear away any dirt and debris, then apply the concrete repair compound using a trowel or putty knife. Once it's fully dry, finish the process with a concrete sealer.

To ensure that even the garage feels, uh, open and welcoming, consider one crucial upgrade. If you have a manual garage door — the old-fashioned sort on hinges that you have to physically lift yourself — consider updating to a far more user-friendly automatic version. With the ability to operate at the literal push of a button, "Updating an old manual garage door with new, automatic garage doors adds both curb appeal and functionality to the exterior of your house," the brothers noted to Business Insider.

And since you're already replacing it, it's best to go with a garage door that will add curb appeal and boost home value. A sleek aluminum door offers a contemporary feel with very low maintenance, while a wooden or composite option has a more natural look. You can also consider adding upgrades like a remote garage door opener and large windows for natural light.

For those who have harbored fantasies of sipping their morning coffee on a dreamy front porch, cultivating a cushy outdoor space is the perfect pick-me-up. "A cozy front porch can't be underestimated," the brothers stressed in a guidebook for Andersen Windows & Doors. Whether yours is open, veranda-style, or a wraparound, they add, "with just a couple of chairs, a small table, and pops of color with pillows, you create a warm, inviting space."

You can also consider some budget-friendly porch upgrades you can complete in a weekend. Try giving your existing planters a good scrub or creating a new set from materials like dresser drawers or other boxes, adding a new coat of stain to the wood, or laying down a rug. Even swapping out the hardware on your front door can make a big impact.

Get things flowing with the help of a sleek water feature. "Whether it's a fountain or an ornamental pond with aquatic plants, a water feature can be a focal point," the brothers noted in an article with SheKnows, "or simply a source of pleasing sound and reflections." Before you dive in, though, make sure it complements the style of your home. "A fountain can make a great addition if it fits in with your overall space," Jonathan explained to HGTV. However, he cautioned, "I wouldn't plop a fancy, carved fountain into a casual yard, but a simple stone version could work." Most importantly, he noted, "When shopping, keep in mind that inexpensive fountains usually look cheap."

One elevated option to consider: A zen garden that makes any backyard feel more modern. With a vibe meant to mimic the waterfalls found in Buddhist temple gardens, the style can be crafted using a variety of materials including stacked stones, ceramic, or metal. To truly up the ante on the relaxing feel, pair it with succulents, bamboo plants, or bonsai trees (if your local climate will allow).

Stone planters and a neatly-planted pebble garden can stack up to a sleek, modern look. To makeover one bungalow, Jonathan leaned into the midcentury style. "I wanted the landscaping to be reflective of the era of the home," he explained in the HGTV YouTube video, "so I did a lot of geometric plantings and added an architectural feature just to break up that front façade."

And there are plenty of beautiful plants for your front yard that will add major curb appeal. Native varieties are always the best option as they grow harmoniously within the local environment and can be easier to maintain. If you're after a modern, paired-back or geometric look, evenly spaced plantings of ornamental grasses, or even Christmas ferns for shaded areas can work well and require a minimum of maintenance. 

A fair and square way to add some visual interest to a home's facade: tiling the stairs leading up to the front porch. That was Drew's move in Season 8, Episode 6 of Brother vs. Brother, with the real estate pro noting, "I want the first steps up to the house to be a wow factor." He acknowledged his choice of seafoam green door and yellow and white geometric tiles "don't quite go together." So he laid down neutral-hued tiles at the top of the stairs to create a smooth transition and make it "look like a purposeful design."

While it's a fun way to color outside the lines, so to speak, the material is even more important than the shade. You want to avoid pieces that might get slippery when wet or won't be able to withstand heat, humidity, and the other elements of nature. There are several different types of tiles you can use outdoors. Porcelain is one of the best options (especially for surfaces you won't be stepping on in slippery shoes), thanks to its durability and natural texture, but cement and other natural stones like limestone and sandstone will also provide the right combo of grip and grit.

When it comes to illuminating your home's exterior, a light touch isn't necessary. "Lighting isn't just decorative — it's functional, too," the brothers insist in the Andersen Windows & Doors guide. So they suggest laying it on thick. "Layered lighting, like wall sconces or string lights for porches, adds depth and makes your home look welcoming even after sunset," the HGTV personalities explain. "And don't underestimate pathway lights. They're not just pretty — they improve safety as well."

And at Jonathan's home, 'tis the season for holiday lights 12 months of the year. "We leave our lights up year-round outside," he explained, noting that he has them wrapped around the trunks of his trees. And since he opts for color-shifting bulbs, "I can change the colors to make it Halloween, Christmas," he said. "When the Dodgers won the World Series, I put Dodgers' colors up." And for all the moments in between, you can create unique colorful lighting moods. A soft blue tends to set a calm, relaxing mood, red can elevate energy levels, and green can create a positive, spa-like vibe.