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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.
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