Do Buyers Still Care About Curb Appeal as Much as Interior Upgrades in 2025?

Greg Powell
Nov 3
3 min read

When it comes to selling your home, everyone knows first impressions matter — but in 2025, many sellers are wondering: Do buyers still care about curb appeal as much as interior upgrades?

With social media, online listings, and virtual tours driving most first impressions today, the balance between exterior and interior presentation has shifted — but not as much as you might think. Especially in competitive markets like Bend, Redmond, and Prineville, curb appeal still plays a major role in attracting buyers and boosting your home’s value.

Let’s explore how much curb appeal really matters in today’s digital-first market and what sellers in Central Oregon should focus on to stand out.

Why Curb Appeal Still Matters in a Digital Market

Even though buyers are scrolling through listings instead of driving through neighborhoods, the exterior of your home is still the first thing they see online. High-quality photos of a clean, attractive exterior can make or break whether a buyer clicks “schedule a showing.”

According to a 2025 Zillow survey, homes with enhanced curb appeal photos — clean landscaping, fresh paint, tidy driveways — receive 30% more clicks than comparable listings without them.

In Central Oregon, where outdoor beauty and lifestyle are major selling points, curb appeal is part of the story buyers are buying into. A house surrounded by well-kept landscaping, native plants, and a welcoming front porch complements the lifestyle of the area — and that resonates with buyers moving in from higher-priced markets.

Interior Upgrades That Still Steal the Show

That said, interior updates remain the heavy hitters for perceived value and appraisal impact. Features like:

Modern kitchens with energy-efficient appliances
Updated bathrooms with spa-inspired touches
Open layouts and natural light
Smart-home features and eco-friendly upgrades

…are all highly sought-after in 2025.

Buyers in Central Oregon are often remote workers or retirees, and they value move-in-ready homes that reflect a modern, sustainable lifestyle.

But here’s the catch: if your exterior turns them off before they walk inside, those beautiful updates may never get a chance to shine.

Striking the Right Balance

In today’s market, the key is to align your curb appeal and interior presentation. The goal is consistency — the outside should match the promise of the inside.

Here’s how to balance your investment:

Upgrade Type	ROI Estimate (2025)	Notes
Fresh landscaping	80%	Simple, low-water native plants are popular in Central Oregon
New exterior paint	60–70%	Go for modern neutrals that photograph well
Front door replacement	75%	A small touch with big visual payoff
Kitchen remodel (minor)	85%	Focus on countertops, fixtures, and lighting
Bathroom refresh	70%	Clean lines, neutral colors, eco features

The takeaway: A mix of strong curb appeal and smart interior updates gives you maximum marketability — both online and in person.

Central Oregon Curb Appeal Trends

Central Oregon buyers are drawn to natural, low-maintenance beauty that fits the region’s landscape. The most effective curb appeal updates in Bend, Redmond, and Prineville include:

Drought-tolerant landscaping with native plants
Stone and wood exterior finishes
Outdoor seating areas or firepits
Warm, earthy exterior tones that blend with the environment
Solar pathway lighting for night-time showings

These touches not only enhance visual appeal but also signal energy consciousness and local authenticity — two qualities today’s buyers prioritize.

So — do buyers still care about curb appeal as much as interior upgrades?Absolutely. While interiors drive long-term satisfaction, curb appeal still drives first impressions and clicks — and those are what get buyers through the door.

In Central Oregon’s market, where nature, lifestyle, and community aesthetics go hand-in-hand, combining great curb appeal with thoughtful interior updates is your best strategy for selling faster and for more money.