drop jaws with your curb appeal
When days get longer, warmer weather beckons, and brown grass turns to green in the Baltimore area, residents migrate outdoors after a winter’s hibernation. What better time to focus on Spring curb appeal for your house. Whether you’re selling, or you simply want a new look for your home, making the exterior of your house and yard appealing for yourself and others can give your house a neater look.
What is curb appeal? It’s a first impression of your property while standing at the curb. Or, if your house is far from the curb, it’s basically the first impression of the front of your house.
1. Start with your landscaping.
It’s been a long winter. Time to rake out dead leaves and pull up dead plants. Trim along the sidewalk, edge your gardens, and add color. Choose colors that contrast your foundation for the biggest pop. To make your flowers and plants especially pleasing, be sure to use items that are different heights—tall, medium, and close to the ground. It will add definition and is esthetically pleasing. Then, add mulch. It smells good and neatens the look of your garden.
2. Front door.
Door handle, door colors handle sets and smart locks. As buyers or guests arrive to your house, the door and handle will usually be one of the first things to catch their eye. If your handle or lock is showing wear, it’s a great time to replace it. Smart locks are popular because you don’t need to remember your key, you can program more than one code, and they tend to make a door look updated.
3. Wreaths.
Spring colors! The more contrast to your front door color, the more the wreath will stand out. For a more subtle look, stick with muted colors like green leaves or small white flowers. Mixed florals, boxwood, and cherry blossom are all great choices. Shape matters, too. There are round wreaths, teardrop swags, and garlands. Choose the one that best fits your door style and color.
4. Doormat.
When you’re updating your porch, find a door mat that makes you happy. What do you want to see as you welcome yourself home? Flowers? Simple weaves? Welcoming words? If you’re updating your entry for potential buyers, keep the doormat simple and inviting. Avoid the word “welcome” on your mat because that infers that you’re welcoming guests. You want potential buyers to feel like they are entering their new house, not a guest at yours. We suggest a mat that says “Home” or “Home Sweet Home.”
5. Outdoor lighting.
Night photos are very hot right now. Many realtors ask the photographer to come back when it’s dark to take some evening shots. You’ll want all of the lights in your house turned on and curtains open. Now is a great time to add solar lights on decks, pathways, and porches. As the sun shines longer, solar lights will get a full charge during the day. If you’re updating for yourself, lights are a great way to create a welcoming atmosphere.