Selling your Lombard home in the cold months can feel tricky. Snow covers your landscaping, the light fades early, and salt can leave a mess on your steps. Still, winter can work in your favor when you lean into clean access, warm lighting, and simple evergreens that look great in person and in photos. In this guide, you’ll learn practical curb appeal updates that stand up to Chicagoland’s freeze–thaw cycles and help your home shine Dec through Mar. Let’s dive in.
Prioritize safety and access
A safe, clearly marked entry is your highest-impact winter update. It signals that the home is well cared for and makes showings feel easy and welcoming.
Keep walkways clear
- Shovel and sweep the primary walkway, steps, and stoop before every showing and photo session. Recheck just before buyers arrive.
- Use a broom to remove thin layers of powder and a sturdy shovel for heavy snow so your surface reads as clean in photos.
- Keep a hand-held salt or de-icer dispenser near the door for targeted touch-ups.
Choose smarter de-icers
- Apply de-icer sparingly to protect nearby plants and concrete. Rock salt can be harsh on vegetation and hardscapes over time.
- Consider alternatives like calcium chloride or magnesium chloride on sensitive areas. Sand or grit can boost traction but may leave residue you will need to sweep up.
- Rinse or brush away visible salt stains when temperatures allow, especially near the entry.
Light the way for buyers
- Add low-level path lighting or plug-in LED stakes to guide the route to your door for evening showings and twilight photos.
- Replace cool, bluish bulbs with warm LEDs in the 2700 to 3000 K range. Warm light photographs better and feels more inviting.
- Make sure house numbers are clean, large, and well lit so buyers and delivery services can find you easily.
Refresh entry details
- Remove ice-splattered mats and replace with a clean, outdoor-rated option.
- Wipe away salt residue from steps and thresholds.
- Touch up scuffed paint on the door and trim so the entry looks crisp in photos.
Add warmth that photographs well
Cold light and bare landscaping can make winter listings feel flat. Focus your styling at the front door to create a simple, cozy focal point.
Make the front door a focal point
- Repaint the door in a warm, saturated tone like classic navy, deep teal, or a rich charcoal that reads well against snow.
- If repainting is not in the plan, refresh the hardware, knocker, or kickplate so it looks polished.
- Hang a tasteful, neutral wreath or simple greenery. Keep it seasonal rather than holiday-specific.
Use warm exterior lighting
- Choose LEDs rated for outdoor use and aim for 2700 to 3000 K. This color temperature gives a welcoming amber glow.
- Add uplights at evergreen containers or architectural details for extra warmth in twilight shots.
- Battery-powered lanterns and string lights can add sparkle without new wiring. Test battery life in cold weather and bring them in before heavy snow.
Evergreen containers and accents
- Flank the door with potted evergreens such as dwarf spruce, boxwood, yew, juniper, or holly for year-round structure and color.
- Use large, frost-resistant containers made of fiberglass, cast concrete, or heavy resin. Secure them so they do not tip in wind.
- Layer with winter accents like red twig dogwood stems, dried grasses, pinecones, or simple burlap ribbon. Keep arrangements clean so snow does not collapse them.
Small staging touches
- Add an outdoor-rated rug to frame the entry.
- Use a pair of lanterns with LED candles for a cozy look. Bring them in during storms to keep them clean and working.
- If you have a porch bench, keep it bare or add a folded, weather-protected throw for a hint of warmth in photos.
Prep hardscape and landscape for winter
Prevent small issues from reading as deferred maintenance. Quick repairs and protection go a long way in winter.
Repair trip hazards fast
- Level raised pavers or secure loose thresholds to remove tripping risks.
- Replace missing mortar on steps where you can. Use slip-resistant stair adhesive strips rated for outdoor winter use if needed.
Protect plants from salt and wind
- Use burlap windbreaks on sensitive shrubs in areas exposed to road salt spray or strong winds.
- Keep salt and de-icers off planting beds as much as possible. Apply only what you need for safety.
Mulch for neatness and contrast
- Add a fresh, dark layer of mulch before deep winter. It looks tidy, provides contrast against snow edges, and helps protect roots.
- Keep mulch pulled back from the foundation and avoid piling it high against siding.
Choose winter-ready containers
- Use frost-resistant pots with proper drainage to prevent cracking.
- Tuck containers near the house for a bit of shelter. Symmetrical placement at the door reads polished in both showings and photos.
Photo and showing game plan
A clear plan for photos and showings helps your exterior shine even on gray days.
Time your exterior photos
- Schedule exterior photos just after plowing and shoveling when surfaces are clean.
- Twilight photos work beautifully in winter. Turn on all interior and exterior lights for a warm glow.
- Minimize visible snow piles and salt stains, especially near the front door.
Declutter for the camera
- Remove shovels, hoses, toys, and any busy holiday decor.
- If safe to do so, knock down large icicles so the roofline looks cared for.
- Keep the porch clear so buyers can picture how they will use it in warmer months.
Showing-day checklist
- Clear and de-ice the main path, steps, and driveway edge.
- Turn on all exterior fixtures and pathway lights before dusk.
- Swap to a dry, clean entry mat and polish the door hardware.
- Ensure the door opens smoothly and the lock works without sticking.
Budget-friendly curb appeal plan
You can make strong improvements at any budget. Prioritize safety first, then your entry focal point, then longer-term upgrades.
Low-cost, high-ROI
- Clear and de-ice the walkway before every showing.
- Replace bulbs with warm LEDs and clean the fixtures.
- Add two small evergreen pots and a simple wreath.
- Remove clutter and brush off visible salt stains.
Mid-cost upgrades
- Repaint the front door or refinish hardware for a crisp look.
- Invest in larger frost-resistant planters and evergreen arrangements.
- Install plug-in path lights and add a pair of battery lanterns at the entry.
- Hire a pro to power-wash the stoop and walk, weather permitting.
Investment projects
- Repair or replace uneven walkways with winter-friendly pavers or concrete.
- Add permanent, low-voltage landscape lighting installed to code.
- Upgrade the entry with an insulated storm door or new door for better efficiency and curb presence.
- Refresh foundation plantings with hardy evergreens that provide winter structure.
Local notes for Lombard sellers
- Check Village of Lombard rules for timely sidewalk snow and ice removal, as property owner responsibilities can vary.
- If you plan permanent exterior lighting or heated walkway mats, verify whether permits are required and use a licensed electrician.
- Solar pathway lights may be unreliable under snow or with limited winter sun. Prioritize plug-in or battery options that are rated for outdoor winter use.
How we help you get winter-ready
You do not have to tackle winter prep alone. Our team pairs local expertise with a proven listing process that works in every season. We help you prioritize safety, style your entry for photos, and coordinate quick win updates that hold up to snow and salt. Our in-house staging support, professional photography, and hands-on management are designed to present your home at its best and attract serious buyers in winter.
When you are ready, we will plan the photo timeline around the weather, set warm lighting, and stage simple evergreen accents that read beautifully online. If you want a step-by-step prep list for your property and timing, we are here to help.
Ready to sell smart this winter? Connect with The Tully Team to map your curb appeal plan and get your free home valuation.
FAQs
What curb appeal should Lombard sellers prioritize in winter?
- Focus on safety first. Clear and de-ice walkways, use warm exterior lighting for visibility, and make house numbers easy to read. Then enhance the front door and porch with simple evergreens.
Which de-icer is best for plants and concrete near my entry?
- Use the minimum effective amount and consider calcium chloride or magnesium chloride on sensitive areas. Rock salt is economical but can damage plants and hardscapes. Sweep up residue after melting.
Do warm LED bulbs really make a difference in photos?
- Yes. Exterior bulbs in the 2700 to 3000 K range create a warmer, more inviting glow that photographs better at dusk and helps your home stand out online.
Are solar path lights reliable during Lombard winters?
- Solar lights can struggle under heavy snow and with limited winter sun. Plug-in or battery-powered options rated for outdoor use are more dependable in cold months.
What plants look good outside in winter around Chicagoland?
- Evergreen structure plants like boxwood, dwarf spruce, yew, juniper, and holly hold color and form. Use frost-resistant containers and simple accents like red twig dogwood or pinecones.
How much holiday decor is appropriate for a winter listing?
- Keep it simple and neutral. A clean wreath and minimal greenery appeal to more buyers and photograph better than dense, holiday-specific displays.
Should I delay listing until spring for better curb appeal?
- Not necessarily. With cleared access, warm lighting, and evergreen accents, winter listings can look inviting and attract motivated buyers who need to move now.
