Add Curb Appeal to Your Home

Design experts help homeowners update their home's appearance, everything from replacing a cracked driveway to fresh paint, landscape designs, outdoor entertaining areas and accessories such as mailboxes, street numbers, right down to the door knocker. You may have seen these sorts of programs on HGTV.

Here are some ideas and information on how to improve the appearance, and maximize the resale value, of your home.

Landscaping

• Plant some fresh blooming flowers in your beds.
• Make sure to fertilize and water your lawn to impove the overall color and lushness.
• Add bed edging and fresh mulch to give a clean look to your landscaping.
• Consider lighting.  Solar activated lamps not only add beauty to your landscaping, but they also add safety when they are illuminated at night.

Mailboxes

• Make sure your mailbox is free of cracks, dents or peeling paint.
• If necessary, replace your mailbox with a new, secure mailbox.  This is an added benefit to you and the next home owner to secure your personal mail.
• Add new/fresh numbers and a bright mail flag to your mailbox.  This small touch really has a big impact.

Fences & Gates

• Fix any gaps, cracks, or paint chipping on your fence.
• Update the gate with new hinges and locks.
• Paint

Walkways, Porches & Doorways

• Make sure your walkways, porches and doorways are free of debris.
• Preasure wash
• Add some small potted plants for color
• Replace or paint your front door.  This is a relatively inexpensive change that will make a world of difference.

Windows

• Clean them.  Remove the finger prints, pet prints, and outside dirt and let the sun shine in.
• Paint your window sills.
• Consider a window mounted flower box for color.

Before a potential home buyer can see the wonderful layout of your home, they have to want to go in.  Curb appeal can mean the difference between stoping in or just driving by.