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How to Maximize Curb Appeal

By Donna Faulk

Whether buying, selling, or residing permanently, a home’s exterior speaks volumes about the care and condition of the property as a whole.  In order to avoid costly repairs, I recommend that my clients conduct a seasonal inspection of the exterior of their home. 

Here are some of my personal recommendations to clients who are listing homes:

• Evaluate condition of paint on home.  If faded or peeling, plan to repaint.
• Avoid using bright colors on the exterior.
• Mow, weed, edge, and fertilize grass and shrubbery.
• Replace unsightly shrubs and plants and add new bark to freshen flowerbeds.
• Power wash drive, sidewalk, curbing, and even drain area in front of curb if you’re a Type A personality!
• Repair curbing or cracks in concrete.
• Clean inside and outside of windows.
• If front windows aren’t raised often, consider removing the screens for a sharper look.
• Examine condition of entry door.  It is a focal point of your home.  Check to see if it needs painting.  Look for any lose stripping and clean any glass.
• Clean gutters and make sure downspouts are secured.
• Stay simple in the flower bed.  Wild flowers aren’t usually a good choice near the entrance.
• Polish doorknob, kick-plate or any exterior hardware.
• If the doorbell looks a little cheesy, invest in a better one.  (On my list!)
• Paint or clean mailbox.  If it’s rusting, take some action!
• Paint or clean outdoor furniture.
• Clean light fixtures and use the maximum wattage allowed.  Make certain that all landscaping lighting is in working order and stabilized in the ground.
• Secure any lose railing.  Clean or paint railing.
• Frame the entrance with matching plants. When weather permits, ferns are a nice compliment here.  Mums are good for fall.
• Avoid using drapery in front windows that isn’t light or lined with light colors. 
• Mortar lose brick.  It can be a safety issue.
• Treat yard for insects, especially ants.
• Knock down the cobwebs!  (Yes, we all have them from time to time.)
• Replace any cracked windows or torn screens.  Replace any rusted screens.  (Shame on you!)
• Spring for a new door mat.  It makes a good first impression.
• Keep porch and walkways swept.  Leaves give an unkempt appearance.
• Remove trash cans and debris from curb in a timely manner.

By the way, Type A’s make great real estate agents!  Feel free to contact Pratt or me at anytime with your real estate questions.  We are here to serve you! Click here for more, or to contact Donna or Pratt Faulk