First Impressions...Curb Appeal During Summer Months
By Ann Smith

When you pass a house, you instantly assess (consciously or subconsciously) the inside structure, upkeep, and style based on how the place looks from the outside. Known as curb appeal, this first impression is vital when selling your home – the better the curb appeal the better your chance of selling quickly for the price you’re asking.

What is the first impression your home is sending? Stand on the sidewalk and honestly assess how well your house would “welcome” a stranger.

Here are a few points to consider. Some could be do-it-yourself work projects; others you may want to hire a professional.

• Parge cracks and stained areas of the foundation walls.
• Paint peeling window frames, doors, trim, etc.
• Fix or replace curling shingles.
• Replace broken fence boards.
• Fertilize and reseed your lawn, pull weeds, mow and edge grass regularly.
• Plants beautify your home’s foundation space. Small- to medium-sized evergreen shrubs add soothing green colour in every season.
• If you don’t want the upkeep of flowers, consider a rock garden with alpine plants to add visual appeal. (To do this yourself, check out http://www.ovrghs.ca/articles/Garden/building%201.htm).
• Flowers add colour, texture, variety, and fullness.
       o Perennials (e.g., Shasta daisies) come back year after year.
       o Annuals (e.g., Impatience) must be replaced each year, but add instant colour for the summer season.
       o Bulbs/tubers (e.g., Daffodils) will often naturalize to fill in after a few years.
• Extras like arbours, trellises, statues, flags, and ornaments create interesting focal points to an outside area. If you want to take these with you, be sure they are not listed in your advertisement – it may become a legal requirement to stay with the property.
• Lush yards and gardens are more attractive so remember to water…especially in July and August. But do not violate watering restriction by-laws.

The extra effort and minimal costs involved in increasing your home’s curb appeal will pay back many fold. Your home will do the work of inviting and welcoming potential buyers before they even meet with an agent.
 

Your Real Estate Consultant…For Life! 

Featured Property

Fantastic Old North!
Four Bedrooms 1.5 Baths
909 Maitland Street
London, ON
Listing Price: $264,900
Click here for more details.