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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