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5 Steps to Curb Appeal
Curb Appeal Gives A Big Welcome
When comes time to putting a house on the market, the buzz word Curb Appeal pops up like a wizard's wand. Wouldn't is be nice if, presto, wave a wand and the perfect castle appears.
But with a for sale sign out front you find that there is a world of difference between the buyers wish list and what you are offering. Here's where solid advice and making the right decisions can make it pay off.
It can happen. Potential buyers may even offer to pay more than planned if they feel it's the perfect home. First step is to ask what do you want to achieve.
If the answer is to get max dollars for your home then the best way
is to have everything picture perfect. So start out with a detailed plan. This includes research and planning. It also includes professional advice. Realtors and savvy landscapers can give suggestions that reflect what buyers are looking for in a home like yours.
Here are some tips to get you started.
Front yard
Some simple things like shrubbery can be pruned and shaped. Dead branches, branches that overhang, shrubs that have lost their shape or grown too big need to be attended to. Keeping in mind that greenery should showcase the house.
Shrubs generally work best when they anchor the corners of the house. A tree or two should function for protection or as an accent. Trees are more appealing if they don't interrupt the line of sight.
Front Entrance
Design is an important factor when assessing the appeal of entryway.
Most curb appeal is meant to focus on this part of the house. Usually a good approach is symmetry. The look should be open and welcoming.
A few low, well shaped shrubs and a border of flowering plants will help frame the "greeting area." The front door is especially important. The door should compliment the style of the house.
Door color should match the accent color - usually the shutters, unless they are a drab color. In which case go with a door color that is colorful but not too bright.
Focal point
The primary focal point of curb appeal is the entrance to the house. Adding a secondary point can be a good idea, for it helps to lead the eye along a visual path to the entryway. This is very useful when the normal entry route is from the side of the house and the front
door is not visible from this angle.
Adding some welcoming element is
need to invite visitors. An attractive garden bench or arbor could serve as a target for the eye.
The "S" factor
Stone plays a big roll in the appearance of a home. It's common to see exterior walls faced in rock. this is a cosmetic thing but it adds an attitude of solidarity and durability. And, is calculated to add value. Other rock uses are seen in retaining walls and even steps and walkways.
Rocks shaped into forms like these make their own importance by suggesting a foundation for other, less permanent landscape elements like foliage that loses its color in the winter.
When you have it on paperGet advice from professionals and make a plan before you start on a curb appeal project. To get top dollar it's a good idea to make a detailed plan - complete with drawings, will minimize costly mistakes and help you to identify the most important fix-ups and their costs.
Add this cost to any inside improvements before you go looking for money. If you plan to do this yourself, be realistic about how much of your own time you can put into it and still meet the deadline.
