CURB APPEAL
By Mary Ellen Gerster ASP Stager
How important is the exterior look of your property?
The curb appeal or streetscape is a visitor’s first and last impression of your home.
When a house is charming from the outside, there’s an expectation that the interior will follow suit and buyers will be anxious to see what is inside.
FRONT ENTRANCE
Is the welcome mat enough to draw visitors to your front door?
Add personality to your front porch, walkway and front yard that says “Welcome”.
This “first impression zone” must be clean, freshly painted and inviting.
You should be able to see the front door from the arrival area, but if there is nothing but an open space, it lacks depth. What I like to do is make a powerful statement by painting the front door a bright color.
What do you do with a front porch? How important is that walkway, anyway?
It should have ‘pizzaz’!
To create visual interest strategically place striking accessories and eye catching potted plants or floral urns. Add a decorative wreath on the door. Keep it tidy and uncluttered. Hang beautiful, functional light fixtures by the front door. Don’t skimp on quality here!
Is your walkway dingy and dated? There are many inexpensive options for you.
Power washing discolored interlock, stone work or natural wood, will have it looking like new again.
My favorite solution for cracked and shifted concrete, is to have flagstone or interlock installed right on top! This is a very economical way to update without the expense of tearing up the old concrete. A solid base is already there and you don’t have to pay big bucks to pour a sidewalk.
If all your entry needs is sprucing up, wash your front door and porch. Eliminate any signs of spiders and cobwebs. Nothing is less inviting than these little ‘critters’ greeting you!
Is the mailbox in good shape? If not paint it or replace it.
Whatever you do, make your entry say “it feels great to be living in this house”.
LAWN/PROPERTY (average return of landscape is 100%)
“Detail your house like you would detail your car”.
Repair and repaint the fence.
A well kept lawn indicates a well kept home. Cut the grass. Rake the leaves and sweep walkways.
Cut and trim the shrubs. Remove dead tree limbs and other yard debris.
Create an inviting and intriguing walkway with shrubs and trees that offer something in all seasons with their color, form and texture. Add a splash of color with seasonal flowers.
Wash the driveway and sidewalk. Patch cracks or holes.
Clean up the garage and shed to inspire the viewer, so they can envision themselves working in the space.
I often suggest livening up a patio area with containers of structured evergreens and colorful accents for a fresh seasonal touch.
Is the gas grill clean and ready for use?
Illuminate to create a sophisticated look! Effectively place lights around your house, not on the house itself. Focus on plantings, trees, pathways and the lawn to create a soft and pretty layered atmosphere.
HOME EXTERIOR (average return on vinyl siding, fresh paint and front entry is 70%)
Exteriors are often neglected. Having a gourmet kitchen with the rest of the house not matching up takes away value.
Paint the doors, siding, shutters, garage doors and trim in a complementary shade to the siding or brick. Repair gutters, loose shingles and flashing.
Clean and repair windows and screens.
Make sure outside lights and doorbells work.
Address any of these needs, promptly. They are crucial in getting top dollar for your home.
“You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression”
For more information on how I can help you to prepare and Stage your home, to sell faster and for more money, contact
Mary Ellen Gerster ASP, Accredited Staging Professional
Mary Ellen’s Staging & Design
705-328-0360
Accredited Staging Professional
