Ann Smith
Broker


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519.697.3544
519.433.4331
1.866.851.1534
Fax: 519.433.6894
Email: ansmith@sympatico.ca

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The Four Views of Winter Curb Appeal

By Ann Smith, Broker

I’m sure you’ve noticed that no matter the season, some homes have that put-together, tailored look all the time. So, how do you get the same look for your home this winter?

Basically, winter curb appeal falls into four categories – safety, colour, landscaping, and visuals. There are a number of considerations that fall into these areas that can ensure your home entices a new home buyer this season.

Safety

• Walkways should be shovelled and de-iced. Not only does it create a welcoming visual, it could prevent a lawsuit if someone falls.

• Good lighting adds a pleasing aesthetic aspect to your home and makes walkways safer. Consider energy efficient walkway lights and motion activated flood lights. Porch lights and holiday lighting adds a sense of hominess.

Colour

• Subtle holiday decorations are better than gaudy and/or ostentatious ones. A decorative wreath or live greenery adds colour to the front of the house

Landscaping

• Consider planting coniferous trees and bushes (pines, firs, spruces, junipers, yews, etc.) early in the year to add colour throughout the winter.

• Use container pots with evergreens boughs and redwood branches.

• Winterize perennial gardens by removing dead plants and cutting back branches that obstruct views from the road.

Visuals

• Ensure any garbage and leaves/broken branches are picked up.

• Clean out eaves troughs to prevent ice build-up (and show that exterior maintenance is a priority).

• Remember, during winter months, bare trees reveal faded and paint-chipped areas of your home. Plan ahead to apply a fresh coat of paint if needed.

• Clean up and clear out junk – broken lawn furniture, rusted rakes, and the like.

• Show good photos of your home in a warmer season but not as a primary picture in case the belief is the house has been on the market for awhile.

Keep your eyes open and check out other homes for sale. Take note of what makes one house warm and inviting versus one that is cold and promises a lot of work and money to make it liveable. A few simple changes can make the difference between “for sale” and “sold.”
 

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Ann Smith, Broker
Your Real Estate Consultant…For Life!