Did you know the front of your home can speak volumes about you? We’ve all heard how first impressions can have a lasting impact, and the overall appearance when people arrive at your home can have exactly that. The term “curb appeal” implies the overall appeal of your home when people first approach it, and here are some simple ideas to maximize that appeal.
- Landscaping ~ Are the lawn and plants trimmed and tidy? Are the planting beds free of weeds and debris? Are the sidewalks, driveway and curb areas swept clean? None of these improvements cost anything to do!
- Exterior Paint ~ Is the paint faded, peeling or chipping? If you can’t afford to repaint the whole house, then touch up the areas that are looking tired, especially around the front porch.
- Clutter ~ We all have it to one degree or another, so don’t go crazy try to rid yourself completely of items you may have stored around the exterior of your home. That said, keep them in the garage or behind the gates, and away from the view of the street. This also goes for unattractive autos that may be inoperative, and most definitely nothing with a tarp on it. :-]
- Front Porch ~ Have you considered that this will be the place your visitors will linger? While they’re waiting for you to answer the door, they’re passing the time by looking around. Are there cobwebs in the corners? Are there tears in the screen door? Is the paint and hardware on your door dirty? Are there flower pots with dead plants, or the dried up dirt from last year’s plant? A few flower pots or decorative accessories are very attractive and welcoming, but keep the clutter to a minimum on the front porch, especially if you don’t have much room to begin with.
I hope you’ve found these tips helpful, and there are lots of other ways to enhance the curb appeal of your home’s exterior. If you’re feeling like yours could use a boost, but are a bit stuck with where to begin, my Designer Download session is a great way to get you moving forward!
Design should be fun, not stressful!
~ Kathy
Great article. Thanks for sharing. You’d be amazed at the stuff we see when we go to homes. We move lots and lots of junk from one location to another that could probably be tossed but people want to hold on to things thinking they will use it again someday. Thanks for the article. I’m going to share it.
Thanks again for sharing, Kim! I see the same thing in many of the homes I go to as well.
Super article! You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression! When I bring home buyers to a home that’s on the market, we are looking for all indications that the seller takes good care of the home, which begins with the curb appeal and the front porch.
Pride of ownership, Leslie! :-] It’s what I looked for when I was home searching. It’s my feeling that if the owner doesn’t maintain what you *can* see, what’s happening with what you can’t? I get the feeling they just get by with the minimum they have to do. Thanks for your input!
With the New Year upon us, perfect timing for me to take a day, rally the troops and make sure we’re putting our best foot forward. Thanks for the great tips and suggestions. They’re simple and easy yet high impact!