Homeowner Guide
The 2026 Lehigh Valley Curb Appeal Guide: 5 Projects with the Highest ROI
CT
Chris Troxell Team
Quick Answer:
The top five curb appeal projects with the highest ROI for Lehigh Valley homes in 2026 are: power washing, fresh exterior paint or shutters, native spring plantings (especially Eastern Redbuds), driveway resurfacing and front door replacement. Together, these can be completed for under $5,000 and often return multiples of that investment at closing.
If you're thinking about selling a home in Allentown or anywhere across the Lehigh Valley this spring, curb appeal isn't just about aesthetics; it's money. Studies consistently show that strong exterior presentation can add 7–14% to a home's perceived value before a buyer ever steps through the front door. In a competitive spring market, the difference between a listing that moves in days and one that lingers often comes down to what buyers see from the street.
But not every project delivers the same return. Here in Eastern Pennsylvania, the climate, the soil, and the architectural character of our neighborhoods all influence which upgrades pay off most. This guide focuses on the five curb appeal projects that consistently generate the highest ROI for Lehigh Valley homeowners, with a close eye on the materials, plantings and timing that make sense specifically for this part of Pennsylvania.
May is the sweet spot for Lehigh Valley sellers. Buyers are active, inventory is still tight in many price brackets, and, crucially, the landscape is showing off. Spring bloomers are at their peak, lawns have greened up, and the cooler temperatures make exterior work comfortable to complete. If you're planning to list in May or June, start these projects in early April to allow time for paint to cure, plants to establish and contractors to fit you into their schedules.
This is the single highest-return project for most Lehigh Valley homes, and it's often overlooked because it sounds too simple. Eastern Pennsylvania's limestone-rich geology means many homes — particularly in Bethlehem, Easton and older Allentown neighborhoods — have stone foundations, limestone brick facades, or concrete walkways that absorb years of mold, algae and mineral staining. A thorough power wash can make a 30-year-old home look like it was built last decade.
PA-specific tip: Use a low-pressure (soft wash) setting on limestone and older brick to avoid etching the surface. High-pressure washing on porous limestone is a common DIY mistake that can permanently damage the facade. Hire a local professional who knows the difference.
What to wash: the driveway, sidewalks, the home's exterior walls, the front porch and any retaining walls. Budget a half-day for a thorough job on an average Lehigh Valley home.
Paint is transformative and inexpensive. Buyers make unconscious judgments about a home's maintenance history based on its exterior condition and peeling or faded paint signals neglect, even if the interior is immaculate.
For 2026, the most buyer-pleasing color combinations in the Lehigh Valley lean toward classic and clean: white or cream siding with black, navy, or forest green shutters. Front doors in deep red, matte black, or warm brass-toned yellow perform well in real estate photography and stand out on listing portals.
PA-specific tip: Choose an exterior paint rated for freeze-thaw cycles. Pennsylvania winters are hard on paint, and buyers (especially those relocating from outside the region) will ask about maintenance history. Using a premium exterior formulation (Benjamin Moore Aura or Sherwin-Williams Emerald) signals quality and helps the finish last.
Landscaping is where many sellers under-invest, and it's one of the areas where the Lehigh Valley has a genuine seasonal advantage. May is the month when Eastern Redbuds (Cercis canadensis) — Pennsylvania's most beloved ornamental tree — are in full, spectacular bloom. Their heart-shaped leaves and vivid magenta-pink flowers make a property photograph like a dream.
If you have space for one tree in your front yard, a young Eastern Redbud (available at most Lehigh Valley garden centers for $50–$150) will pay dividends not just at listing but for decades. They're native, drought-tolerant once established, and beloved by local buyers who recognize them.
For beds and borders, May-blooming natives to consider:
Local tip: Avoid invasive ornamentals that some sellers still use; burning bush, barberry and Bradford pears are now flagged by knowledgeable Pennsylvania buyers and may even trigger HOA or deed restrictions in newer developments.
A cracked, oil-stained, or heaved driveway is one of the most damaging first impressions a home can make. In the Lehigh Valley, where freeze-thaw cycles take a serious annual toll on asphalt, driveways age faster than in warmer climates. A driveway that looked fine three years ago may look rough today.
For homes with asphalt driveways in decent condition, sealcoating ($0.15–$0.25 per sq ft) refreshes the surface to a deep black finish and signals to buyers that the property has been maintained. For driveways with significant cracking or heaving, a full resurface is a better investment than trying to patch — buyers notice patchy repairs.
Concrete driveways common in older Allentown and Bethlehem neighborhoods can be pressure washed and crack-filled at lower cost, though major concrete replacement is expensive and typically not worth it for a sale.
The front entry is the focal point of every listing photo and the first thing buyers touch when they arrive for a showing. A dated or worn entry (hollow-core door, builder-grade light fixture, rusty mailbox) undermines everything else you've done.
The highest-impact single investment here is a steel or fiberglass front door replacement. According to Remodeling Magazine's annual Cost vs Value report, a mid-range door replacement consistently ranks among the top five ROI projects nationally, and the Lehigh Valley's competitive spring market amplifies that return.
Pair a new door with:
Whether you're listing this spring or just want to know what your home is worth, we'll help you prioritize the projects that pay off most in your neighborhood.