Thursday, October 1, 2026
For Dawn Costello, curb appeal is more than a seasonal checklist — it is the first visual statement a home makes and a reflection of how well it’s cared for year-round.
As spring begins across Long Island, the Douglas Elliman agent said homeowners should think of exterior upkeep the same way they think about personal presentation: intentional, maintained, and welcoming. This is one of the reasons she has brought pots of flowers to homes for sale to add color and make the entrance and backyard more welcoming.
“Your home is how you present yourself — something to be proud of,” she said. To Costello, based in Locust Valley, curb appeal matters whether a homeowner plans to sell immediately or stay for years because exterior condition affects not only individual property value but could negatively hurt your chances of selling.
She said buyers often interpret neglected exteriors as a warning sign that larger maintenance issues may exist inside. “When you stay on top of it, your house looks well-maintained, and that always adds value,” Costello said. “People don’t want to inherit a headache. Chipped paint, messy landscaping, and mossy roofs stick out like a sore thumb.”
Before entering real estate, Costello built a career in media and home-focused marketing, in a leadership role at HGTV. She said that experience sharpened her understanding of what visually attracts buyers and why exterior presentation consistently influences marketability.
Costello’s favorite memories from working at HGTV were spending time with “Property Brothers,” Drew and Jonthan Scott, and getting sneak peeks at design and décor trends. “My whole world was immersed in all things home — what makes a home more valuable and why home is so important to people,” she said.
That perspective guides Costello’s advice to sellers each spring: begin with simple improvements before attempting expensive redesigns.
For homeowners unsure where to begin, Costello recommends starting with manageable landscaping and realistic maintenance goals.
“It might be better to keep something simpler,” she said. “Have one large bush surrounded by pretty rocks or gravel, instead of four different plants you have to prune and constantly manage.”
She added that many homeowners underestimate the long-term upkeep attached to ambitious landscaping plans. “You have to be realistic about how much time you can put into your garden unless you have the means to have someone help manage it for you,” she said.
Costello said educational resources can help homeowners make informed decisions, from local gardening classes to digital planning tools. “I took a landscaping class just for homeowners, and it was really helpful,” she said. “It gave simple guidance on what grows easily and how to keep grass healthy.”
She also recommends affordable lighting upgrades as evenings grow longer in spring.
“I love solar lighting,” Costello said. “Solar string lights or lanterns can really make your yard pop, and they’re pretty even in winter when everything else feels bleak.”
For Costello, the lesson is simple: curb appeal is not cosmetic alone — it signals pride, care and long-term value.
