When you're getting ready to list your home in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Yukon, Mustang, or other nearby communities, what buyers see from the street matters more than ever. First impressions count — and as research shows, well-executed landscaping and exterior maintenance lead to faster sales and often higher prices. At Legacy Real Estate Group, we’ve guided hundreds of sellers through home-preparation strategies in the Oklahoma market. Here are five specific curb-appeal upgrades tailored for our climate, styles, and buyer expectations — done the smart way so you invest where it matters.
Upgrade #1: Lawn & Landscape Maintenance – Your “First Look” Investment
In Oklahoma’s hot summers, variable rainfall and clay-rich soils create landscaping challenges. So a well-kept lawn, clean beds, and healthy shrubs make a big difference. According to F&M Bank’s home-value guidance: “A well-manicured lawn with attractive landscaping affects how… potential buyers view your property.”
What to do:
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Mow regularly, edge walkways/driveways so lines are crisp.
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Address bare patches or overgrown turf; reseed or sod as needed.
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Apply fresh mulch to beds for a clean, uniform look (good contrast with planting).
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Remove dead or unsightly plants; choose ones adapted to Oklahoma’s climate (low water, durable).
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Trim shrubs and maintain tree limbs so they don’t block views of the home.
Why it matters:
Buyers drive by and form opinions in seconds. A lawn that looks neglected sends a negative signal; one that’s crisp and intentional says “this home is cared for.” Local landscaping firms say good design and maintenance can increase perceived value significantly.
Upgrade #2: Front Entrance & Doorway Enhancement
Your front door and entry path are focal points. According to landscaping and design sources, simple touches here — new paint, clean hardware, welcoming plants — produce eye-catching results.
What to do:
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Repaint or replace the front door; choose a color that stands out but complements your home’s exterior.
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Upgrade hardware (handle, lockset, house numbers) for a fresh, modern look.
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Add potted plants or seasonal flowers near the door for color and warmth.
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Ensure the walkway is clean, free of cracks, and clearly leads to the entrance.
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Clean or replace exterior light fixtures at the door so they’re functional and stylish.
Local touch:
In neighborhoods like Bethany, The Village, or Nichols Hills, buyers expect a certain polish. A refreshed entry signals your home is move-in ready and maintained.
Upgrade #3: Hardscape and Pathway Definition
Landscape design experts in Oklahoma note that combining softscape (plants) with hardscape (walkways, edging, patios) is what really sets homes apart.
What to do:
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Define bed edges around the house and driveway with stone, brick, or metal edging to separate the lawn from the planting.
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Repair or replace cracked sidewalks or driveways; consider a contrasting material (e.g., paver insert) to elevate the look.
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Install or refresh walk-path lighting so the way to the door is obvious and safe.
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Consider a small patio or front porch seating space if the yard allows — this adds perceived “livable outdoor space.”
Why it catches buyers’ attention:
When two homes are similar, the one with the intentional hardscape design stands out as higher quality. Buyers mentally “move in” when they see clean outdoor flow and defined spaces.
Upgrade #4: Outdoor Lighting & Evening Appeal
Curb appeal isn’t just daytime. Increasingly, homes are evaluated in the evening too — and effective outdoor lighting makes a difference. According to “10 Exterior Trends” sources: “Exterior lighting… dramatically improves curb appeal when it’s dark.”
What to do:
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Install low-voltage or solar LED path lights along walkways.
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Use a spotlight or uplight on key architectural features or trees to create depth.
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Ensure porch or entry lighting is functioning and the fixture style is up-to-date.
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Ensure wiring and fixtures are safe and code compliant (maintenance matters to inspections).
Impact at dusk:
When buyers view your home in the evening (open houses, showings), well-lit exteriors feel safer, more inviting and better maintained — a subconscious boost in appeal and confidence.
Upgrade #5: Native & Low-Maintenance Planting for Oklahoma Climate
One of the smartest curb-appeal investments in our region is selecting plantings that thrive in Oklahoma’s climate: hot summers, occasional ice storms, heavy clay soil. Per F&M Bank: “Investing in drought-tolerant landscaping and native plants is a smart investment.”
What to do:
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Mix in native grasses (e.g., Little Bluestem) and perennials that require less water and maintenance.
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Use mulch or gravel in sections to reduce turf area and maintenance costs.
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Choose shrubs and trees that tolerate heat, wind, and periodic drought (e.g., boxwoods, junipers, crepe myrtle).
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Avoid plants that are high-maintenance or look lush only with heavy irrigation.
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Group plants by sun exposure and water needs to simplify upkeep.
Sell-side benefit:
Buyers often ask: “How much yard work will this be?” A yard designed for our climate signals they’ll have fewer headaches, which can shorten selling time and reduce negotiation for maintenance credits.
Want to sell your home faster and for top value in the Oklahoma City market? Begin with one of the five curb-appeal upgrades above — it might make the difference between a long listing and a strong offer.
Contact us at Legacy Real Estate Group for a free curb-appeal consultation. We’ll walk your property with you, help prioritize upgrades, and prepare your home for peak market visibility. Your next buyer is waiting — let’s make sure they remember your home first.
