Boost Your Curb Appeal: The Ultimate Guide to Exterior Painting for Your Home

Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, Lainie Eilenberger

📅 March 2025

A fresh coat of exterior paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to boost your home’s value and create a lasting first impression. Whether you're preparing to sell or simply want to refresh your home’s look, choosing the right paint, colors, and finishes is crucial. Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, Lainie Eilenberger, shares expert insights on how to repaint your home’s exterior to maximize its appeal and protect its value.

Why Exterior Paint Matters in Real Estate 🎨🏡

First impressions matter, and your home’s exterior is the first thing buyers see. A faded or peeling paint job can make a home appear neglected, while a crisp, well-done exterior signals care and maintenance.

🔹 Increases Property Value – A well-painted exterior can increase home value by up to 5%.

🔹 Protects Your Investment – High-quality paint shields your home from the elements, reducing costly repairs.

🔹 Attracts Buyers – Homes with fresh, modern color palettes sell faster and for higher prices.

Choosing the Right Exterior Paint Type & Finish

The type of paint you choose affects both durability and appearance. Here’s what you need to know:

🛠️ Best Paint Finishes for Exterior Use:

✔ Flat/Matte: Great for hiding imperfections but harder to clean.

✔ Satin/Eggshell: The most popular choice for siding—offers a slight sheen and is easy to maintain.

✔ Semi-Gloss/Gloss: Best for trim, doors, and shutters for durability and a polished look.

🛠️ Supplies You’ll Need:

✅ High-quality exterior paint

✅ Painter’s tape

✅ Drop cloths

✅ Primer (if needed)

✅ Paintbrushes & rollers

✅ Pressure washer

✅ Caulk for sealing gaps

Best Exterior Paint Colors to Boost Your Home’s Value

The right color palette can make all the difference. Neutral, modern tones tend to attract the most buyers.

🎨 Popular & Timeless Choices:

✔ Whites & Off-Whites – Classic, clean, and universally appealing.

✔ Warm Grays & Beiges – A soft, modern alternative to white.

✔ Earthy Greens & Blues – Perfect for creating a natural, inviting look.

✔ Contrasting Trim – White or black trim adds depth and sophistication.

📌 Real Estate Pro Tip: Want to stand out? Pair a neutral body color with a bold front door for added character!

How to Prep Your Home for Exterior Painting

Proper preparation is key to a smooth, long-lasting paint job.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Prep Guide:

1️⃣ Clean the Surface – Use a pressure washer to remove dirt and mildew.

2️⃣ Scrape & Sand – Remove old, peeling paint to create a smooth base.

3️⃣ Repair & Caulk – Seal cracks and gaps to prevent moisture damage.

4️⃣ Prime (If Needed) – If painting over bare wood or a dark color, use a primer.

5️⃣ Protect Landscaping & Windows – Cover plants and tape off edges.

📌 Expert Tip: Start painting in the morning when the sun isn’t too strong to prevent streaks and quick drying.

How Fresh Exterior Paint Increases Home Value

🏡 A fresh coat of paint is one of the most budget-friendly upgrades that yield high returns when selling a home.

💰 ROI on Exterior Painting:

✔ 80%+ return on investment

✔ Homes with updated exteriors sell 10% faster

✔ Homes with fresh paint increase perceived value instantly

🔹 Real Estate Pro Tip: If selling your home, go with neutral, universally appealing colors to attract more buyers.

Communities We Proudly Serve

Key & Slate Real Estate Group proudly serves Lubbock and these vibrant West Texas communities:

📍 Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, and Wolfforth.

Discover More with Key & Slate Real Estate Group

🔗 LainieEilenberger.com – Explore Lubbock & West Texas real estate listings, tips, and resources.

🔗 Key & Slate Real Estate Group on Keller Williams – Learn about our team and view homes for sale.

🔗 One Ford Road Community – Discover upscale homes in this exclusive Lubbock neighborhood.

🔗 LaurieRodriguez-KeyandSlate.com – Personalized real estate services for Lubbock & South Plains.

🔗 Lainie Eilenberger on YouTube – Virtual home tours, market insights, and expert tips from Lainie.

Sell Your Home with Confidence

Whether you're planning to sell or simply want to enhance your home’s curb appeal, fresh exterior paint is a game-changer. A well-executed paint job ensures your home stands out in the Lubbock & West Texas market, attracting more buyers and maximizing your investment.

As your trusted Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, I’m here to provide expert advice and strategies to help you sell faster and for top dollar.

📞 Contact me today to get started on maximizing your home’s value!

Boost your home's curb appeal with a fresh exterior paint job! 🏡✨ Discover the best colors, finishes, and prep tips with Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, Lainie Eilenberger. #LubbockRealEstate #HomeValue #CurbAppeal

The Heart of Home: Homemade Chicken Pot Pie & West Texas Real Estate

By Lainie Eilenberger – Key & Slate Real Estate Group

There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a homemade chicken pot pie—a comforting, classic dish that brings families together. Just like a well-loved home, a great recipe is all about the right ingredients, perfect balance, and a welcoming feeling. Whether you're enjoying a cozy dinner in your dream kitchen or searching for the perfect home in West Texas, let’s explore how real estate and home-cooked comfort go hand in hand.

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

A golden, flaky crust filled with creamy chicken and vegetables—this dish is the epitome of home-cooked goodness.

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 carrots, diced

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups chicken broth

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

For the Crust:

• 1 refrigerated pie crust (or homemade)

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare Filling: In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onions and carrots until soft. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.

3. Make it Creamy: Slowly add chicken broth, stirring constantly until thickened. Pour in heavy cream, add salt, pepper, and thyme.

4. Add Chicken & Peas: Stir in shredded chicken and peas. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

5. Assemble Pie: Pour the filling into a pie dish, place the crust over the top, and crimp edges to seal. Cut small slits in the top for ventilation. Brush with egg wash.

6. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Let it rest before serving.

   
   

The Perfect Home, Like the Perfect Recipe

A well-balanced home, just like a well-balanced pot pie, provides comfort, security, and timeless value. Whether you’re looking for a modern home in Lubbock, a ranch-style property with wide-open spaces, or an elegant new build, the right combination of location, design, and amenities makes all the difference.

Homebuyer Tip:

Much like choosing quality ingredients, finding the right home requires careful selection. Partnering with an experienced real estate agent ensures you get the best fit for your lifestyle.

Why West Texas?

West Texas is more than just a place to live—it’s a community that embodies hospitality, charm, and opportunity. With a growing market, family-friendly neighborhoods, and thriving businesses, it’s the perfect place to put down roots.

Communities We Proudly Serve:

Key & Slate Real Estate Group serves Lubbock and these West Texas communities: Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, and Wolfforth.

Discover More with Key & Slate Real Estate Group

📌 LainieEilenberger.com – Find the best homes in Lubbock & West Texas

📌 Key & Slate Real Estate Group on Keller Williams – View our latest listings

📌 One Ford Road Community – Explore upscale Lubbock properties

📌 LaurieRodriguez-KeyandSlate.com – Personalized real estate service for Lubbock & the South Plains

📌 Lainie Eilenberger on YouTube – Virtual tours & real estate tips

Find Comfort in Your Dream Home

Just like the warmth of a freshly baked pot pie, your home should provide security, joy, and unforgettable memories. Whether you're buying, selling, or exploring your options, I’m here to make the process smooth, enjoyable, and rewarding. Let’s find a home that feels just as welcoming as a meal shared with loved ones.

👉 Contact me today to start your real estate journey!

Nothing feels more like home than a cozy West Texas kitchen and a fresh-baked chicken pot pie. Find your dream home with Lainie Eilenberger today!

Creating a Weed-Free Zone Under Your Trees: A Smart Landscaping Trick for Home Value

Lainie Eilenberger – Top Lubbock & West Texas Real Estate Agent

A well-maintained yard can make all the difference when selling your home. But what about those tricky areas where grass won’t grow—like under trees? These bare spots can look neglected and messy, which is why adding a weed barrier with wood chips or ground cover is a smart solution. As the Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, I’m here to share how this simple landscaping fix can enhance your home’s curb appeal and value.

Why a Weed Barrier Under Trees Matters in Real Estate

A neglected yard can be a red flag for potential buyers. When they see bare dirt, weeds, or unhealthy grass under trees, it can signal poor lawn maintenance or drainage issues. Adding a weed barrier with mulch, wood chips, or ground cover creates a clean, low-maintenance solution that enhances the property’s overall appeal.

What is Deferred Maintenance?

Deferred maintenance refers to neglected home upkeep—things like patchy lawns, peeling paint, or worn-out flooring. Tackling these minor fixes before listing your home ensures buyers see your property in the best possible light.

How to Install a Weed Barrier Under a Tree

Eliminate weeds and create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape with these simple steps:

1. Clear the Area

• Remove any weeds, grass, and debris from the base of the tree.

• Be careful not to disturb the tree roots.

2. Lay the Weed Barrier Fabric

• Cut a breathable landscape fabric to fit the area you want to cover.

• Make slits around the base of the tree to allow proper growth.

• Secure the fabric with landscape pins to hold it in place.

3. Add Mulch or Ground Cover

• Choose wood chips, bark mulch, or decorative rocks to cover the weed barrier.

• Spread a 2-4 inch layer evenly around the tree, leaving space around the trunk for air circulation.

4. Maintain Your Tree Bed

• Refresh the mulch annually to prevent weeds and retain moisture.

• Avoid piling mulch against the tree trunk, as this can cause decay.

Real Estate Insights: The Value of a Well-Landscaped Yard

A well-maintained outdoor space can increase buyer confidence and add value to your home. Trees with properly maintained bases and weed-free ground cover create a polished, move-in-ready look that attracts buyers.

Benefits of a Weed Barrier Under Trees for Homeowners:

✅ Increases Curb Appeal – A clean, landscaped yard makes a great first impression.

✅ Reduces Maintenance – Less weeding, mowing, and watering needed.

✅ Protects Trees – Helps retain soil moisture and reduces competition from weeds.

✅ Prevents Erosion – Keeps soil intact, even in high-wind areas.

Communities We Proudly Serve

Key & Slate Real Estate Group proudly serves Lubbock and these vibrant West

Texas communities:

Abernathy, Brownfield, Buffalo Springs, Crosbyton, Denver City, Farwell, Floydada, Hale Center, Lamesa, Levelland, Littlefield, Muleshoe, New Deal, New Home, Olton, Plains, Plainview, Post, Ralls, Ransom Canyon, Seagraves, Seminole, Silverton, Slaton, Snyder, Spur, Sudan, Sundown, Tahoka, Tulia, and Wolfforth.

Discover More with Key & Slate Real Estate Group

🔹 LainieEilenberger.com – Explore Lubbock & West Texas real estate listings, tips, and resources.

🔹 Key & Slate Real Estate Group on Keller Williams – Learn about our team and view homes for sale.

🔹 One Ford Road Community – Discover upscale homes in this exclusive Lubbock neighborhood.

🔹 LaurieRodriguez-KeyandSlate.com – Personalized real estate services for Lubbock & the South Plains.

🔹 Lainie Eilenberger on YouTube – Virtual home tours, market insights, and expert tips from Lainie.

Selling Your Home with Confidence

Creating a clean, well-maintained landscape isn’t just about looks—it’s about maximizing your home’s value. Small upgrades like adding a weed barrier under trees make a big difference in first impressions and can lead to higher offers.

As your trusted Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, I’m here to help you prepare your home for the market, ensuring it stands out in the competitive West Texas market.

📞 Contact me today for expert real estate guidance!

Enhance your home's curb appeal with a professional weed barrier under your trees! 🌳 Save water, reduce weeds, and boost property value with expert home maintenance tips from Top Lubbock and West Texas Real Estate Agent, Lainie Eilenberger. #WestTexasHomes #LubbockRealEstate #KeyAndSlate #LainieEilenberger #LandscapingTips