Get Your Home Fall Market Ready With These Six Budget-Friendly Front Yard Fixes

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are everything. Most buyers often form an opinion before they even step inside. A well-staged front yard creates curb appeal, makes your home stand out in photos, and can even add value. The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to make a big impact.

 

As we move into the fall housing market in East Alabama, making small changes to the exterior of your home can make a big difference! According to Melissa Tracey from the National Association of Realtors and Ginger Wilcox, the president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, here are six affordable front yard staging tips tailored for homeowners in Auburn and Opelika.

 

Southern homes often shine with personality, and your front door sets the tone. A fresh coat of paint is one of the most affordable upgrades you can make. Black and navy doors remain timeless, but here in Auburn, a bold orange or deep blue can show school spirit in a subtle, stylish way. Or, keep it light and welcoming with sage green or soft gray, which pair beautifully with our region’s southern style homes.

 

Front porches are a staple in East Alabama. Whether it’s a charming historic Opelika cottage or a new construction home near Auburn University, staging your porch adds warmth and livability. Add a simple rocking chair or a small bistro table with a couple of chairs. Updating house numbers with modern styles from local shops like ACE Hardware can also make your entry look crisp and current.

 

Our warm evenings make outdoor lighting a must. Solar-powered path lights are an inexpensive way to brighten your front walkway. For homes with large yards, uplighting trees or highlighting your house numbers adds a sense of sophistication and safety. Local big-box stores and garden centers offer plenty of affordable, energy-efficient options.

 

In Alabama’s climate, you can grow plants nearly year-round. Potted ferns on porches are a Southern classic, and colorful flowers like impatiens or begonias thrive in our heat. For fall staging, mums and ornamental cabbages provide seasonal charm. Visit the The Potting Shed and other local nurseries to find plants that will flourish here.

 

In East Alabama, where lush lawns grow quickly, trimming and edging make a big difference. Pull weeds, trim overgrown shrubs, and refresh mulch beds for an instant facelift. If your yard is large, focus on the areas closest to the entrance where buyers’ eyes naturally land. A tidy yard signals to buyers that the property has been well cared for.

 

Sometimes, less is more. Too many mismatched decorations can distract from your home’s charm. Stick with a consistent style and color scheme for planters, porch furniture, and lighting. For example, if your Opelika home features farmhouse style, opt for galvanized planters and simple lanterns. If your Auburn home leans modern, choose sleek black or bronze finishes for a cohesive look.

 

Homes in Auburn and Opelika attract a wide variety of buyers—from first-time homeowners to Auburn University families to retirees looking for a slower pace. Staging your front yard ensures that no matter who’s visiting, your home feels inviting and move-in ready. And with our competitive real estate market, a little effort on the outside can make your property stand out in photos and showings.

 

By focusing on affordable upgrades—paint, lighting, plants, and tidiness—you can maximize curb appeal without stretching your budget. Whether you’re preparing to list your home or simply want to enhance its charm, these small changes can make a big impact here in Auburn-Opelika.

 

Read more today at National Association of REALTORS®