Curb Appeal Secrets: Win Your Street’s Unspoken Beauty Contest

If you’ve ever felt the silent judgment of a neighbor side-eyeing your overgrown grass, you’re not alone. A recent survey found that 76% of homeowners feel pressured to keep their homes looking as good as—or better than—their neighbors’.

With over half of homeowners (51%) saying they genuinely care about having one of the nicest exteriors in the neighborhood, and nearly a quarter (23%) believing their yard is award-worthy, it’s clear that curb appeal isn’t just about personal pride…it’s a full-blown competition.

So, if you want to keep up with the Joneses (or maybe even outshine them), here’s a ranked list of what homeowners say matters most, so you can focus your time and money where it counts:

1) Start by Making Sure Your Lawn Is Mowed to Perfection…

A shaggy lawn is basically the equivalent of showing up to a black-tie event with bedhead—no matter how good everything else looks, people are going to focus on it. A full 67% of homeowners say they feel the most pressure to keep their grass neatly mowed, edged, and trimmed. So if you’re going to focus on one thing, start here.

2) …and Then Make Sure to Fertilize It Before Moving On

In close second place, 66% of survey respondents said they stress about maintaining healthy, vibrant grass. So once your grass is short and tidy, get out there with some fertilizer and make it greener than your neighbor’s envious glances.

3) Tuck Some Flowers Into Those Beds

Once the grass is greener on your side of the fence, it’s time to focus on the flowers. 52% of homeowners say lush flower beds are the next most important element in your yard, so make sure you put some flowers into those beds before you hit yours for a nap!

4) Put a Coat On

Peeling paint and faded siding can make even the tidiest yard look neglected. 51% of homeowners say keeping up with exterior paint and siding is a priority, so if yours is looking a little worse for wear, grab a brush and get to work. (Or just hire a pro…painting isn’t everyone’s strong suit!)

5) Sweep it…and Then Hose It for Good Measure

If the driveway and sidewalks are looking a little grimy, it’s time for a clean sweep, literally. 47% of homeowners say they focus on keeping these areas spotless. A pressure washer can do wonders, and if nothing else, it’s a good excuse to play with high-powered water jets for an afternoon. Not only is it fun, it certainly beats scrubbing it on your hands and knees!

6) Perfect Your Porch

Nothing says “welcoming” like a porch that looks like it belongs in a Norman Rockwell painting. 47% of homeowners prioritize an inviting entryway, so if yours looks a little underwhelming, add some cozy seating, potted plants, or a tasteful seasonal wreath. Just be warned: this might cause people to want to pull up a chair and just stare at your porch rather than sit on it!

7) Mulch Ado About Nothing (But It Still Looks Nice)

Mulch is nothing but ground up trees, but whoever originally thought of throwing it around the yard rather than throwing it away was really onto something! 41% of homeowners make it a priority, and for good reason—it instantly makes everything look polished and put-together with minimal effort. Bonus: it also helps keep weeds in check. Win-win.

8) ‘Tis the (Every) Season!

Holiday lights, pumpkins, a tasteful autumn wreath—seasonal decor makes your home look festive and well-maintained. 41% of homeowners consider it an important detail, so feel free to show off your decorating skills. Just, you know, don’t leave the Christmas lights up until July.

9) Raise the Roof (or at Least Keep It Looking Good)

If your roof looks like it’s seen better days, it might be time for an upgrade. 40% of homeowners say a good-looking roof is a must, and let’s face it—missing shingles are about as noticeable as a missing front tooth. But even if it’s in good shape, make sure it’s clean of debris like sticks, leaves…and pizza of course.

10) Get Lit

Strategic outdoor lighting isn’t just for safety—it’s also a major curb appeal booster. 39% of homeowners say attractive outdoor lighting matters to them, so consider some pathway lights, lanterns, or even twinkle lights for that extra charm. Just don’t go full Vegas casino. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Including way too bright lighting.

11) Mend Fences (And Gates)

A rickety fence can make even the best-kept yard look neglected. 34% of homeowners make sure their fences and gates are in top shape, so if yours is leaning, creaky, or missing a plank or two, now’s the time to fix it. Bonus: it’ll keep nosy neighbors from peeking through the gaps.

12) Finish With a Furnish

If you’ve made it this far, congratulations—you’re probably in the running for the best yard on the block! Now it’s time for the finishing touch to put you in the top spot. 33% of homeowners say nice looking outdoor furniture is a priority, and let’s be honest: what’s the point of having a stunning yard if you don’t have a comfy spot to sit and admire your handiwork?