Curb Appeal - Get Ready for Spring!

Unless you’re a die-hard lover of chilly weather and bare trees, the winter can be rough on both our homes and spirits. However, even though warmer temperatures and amped-up greenery is still a few months away, it’s certainly not too early to start thinking about brightening things up, especially if you plan on making a jump into the spring real estate market.

Plain and simple, curb appeal is important and I’ve dedicated several posts to it for that very reason. No amount of upgrades or remodeling on the inside of your home will make up for a neglected exterior, so taking stock of what needs to be done in advance is a wise move.

SPRING CLEAN: While you might want to wait until the end of February to begin tackling this process, make a point to toss any dead plants and take down any Christmas remnants that may still be hanging around. From there, don’t be afraid to wipe down your windowsills and door frames, sweep off the porch and driveway, and clean the outside of your windows and any light fixtures. You’ll be surprised at how light everything feels when things are free of dirt and crusty foliage.

CONDUCT A SPRUCE-UP ASSESSMENT: When it comes to selling your home, organization and planning are key, so spend a bit of time looking around the front of your home. Are your house numbers visible? How is your lighting? Do your gutters need a good cleaning? Are your front steps, walkway, or porch in disrepair? Have your trees and shrubbery grown out of control? Curb appeal begins with the state of your house, so making a list of home improvement projects will help get the ball rolling in the right direction.

ADD PAINT AS NEEDED: If you’ve already tackled your other projects—i.e. everything is clean and your repairs are in order—but still find yourself a bit underwhelmed with the state of your property, it may be time to add a bit of fresh paint. A great place to start is with the front door, so pick a fresh new color that will give your home a little lift; however, if you have a natural wood door that you’d rather keep in its current condition, consider adding a few coats to your trim, the mailbox, the garage, or your front porch.

LANDSCAPE: While the word landscape tends to make most people see money signs, adding this type of curb appeal doesn’t have to be a massive expense. Get recommendations from your local nursery about some pleasing, yet low-maintenance flowers and shrubs and if all else fails, try your hand at container gardening. Simply adding a few potted flowers or spring annuals to your front steps or around your walkway will truly boost the overall appearance of your home.

ADD PERSONALITY: While marketing your house often requires the removal of personal effects from your home’s interior, adding a few personal touches to the exterior can add just the right amount of intrigue for potential buyers. The addition of a beautiful outdoor rug, several inviting porch chairs, or an old painted table with lush plants will go a long way towards welcoming guests into your space.

If you’re getting ready to sell, please feel free to call me for advice or assistance. The market here in North Georgia is already in full-swing, so the advent of warmer weather will only make things more exciting!

Pam Evans | Hello Pam Evans Real Estate | www.HelloPamEvans.com | 678-778-6551