Curb Appeal... It's IMPORTANT!

We live inside our homes.... right?  Of course we do.  But how many times do we drive by a home that is tidy and kept... but lacks curb appeal?  No landscaping, now flowers... just a blank, empty canvas!

No Landscape, No Color - a bit blah

As you can see from the cute ranch in the photo - while it has a lot of possibilities, not all buyers have an eye for landscaping!  When listing your home, you want it to look inviting as soon as a potential buyer pulls in the drive.  Not everyone is working with Chip and Joanna to find the worst house in the best neighborhood!  HA

So, how do you add curb appeal on a budget?  Here are 5 Simple and Inexpensive Tips that can help the front of your home go from blah to wow!

1) Glam up the front door
Paint is an inexpensive way to add a bit of zing to the first impression!  Paint your door a hue to coordinates with the color of your home! Nothing too extreme!  Red, Green, Blue are popular colors - but again, make sure it compliments your home, is welcoming and doesn't give someone pause to say "Whoa that's a bright door"!
Add house numbers to the entrance, and hang a pretty wreath on the door!  Place a potted plant or two by the front entrance.  Small boxwood can be purchased, or perhaps mums in the autumn!



2) Tend the Garden/Landscape Beds, Trim Bushes and Trees
You know how many homes I've shown that have untidy/weedy landscaping?  No mulch etc.  It looks unkempt and can give the impression that the owner most likely doesn't take care of the inside if they don't tidy up the outside!
Pull the weeds, add some mulch and a few inexpensive annuals!  It doesn't take a lot of money or time to make it look welcoming!
Trim the bushes around the home. Your home needs to be visible from the street in order to have curb appeal, so cut overgrown bushes and trees, removing branches that block walkways, windows. Seek professional help if limbs are too high or are around electrical lines.

3) Lawn care
Keep your lawn manicured!  A yard that is a dandelion field or weed patch can easily detract!  You lawn doesn't need to look perfect - but keeping your lawn in shape is not hard to do!  TIP: Do Not cut too short or scalp the lawn - thinking that saves you time, and you only need to mow once a week only provides prime conditions for weeds to take over.  Cutting your grass higher keeps your lawn healthier!  Do this even if you aren't thinking of selling!

4) Wash the Windows, Remove Cobwebs and Swept the Porch
A bit of elbow grease make your windows sparkle!  Also, use a broom to remove cobwebs from window areas and around doors! And keep your porch free of debris and leaves!  Sweeping the front porch takes minutes and gets your body moving as well!

5) Update Exterior Lighting
A simple can of black spray paint can take a rusty, brass-like finished light fixture and make it look brand new!   Also, most home improvement stores have inexpensive light fixtures - $30 and boom - a brand new, updated look!

 

As you can see, a few simple, inexpensive steps can spruce up your front entry to add curb appeal and welcome a potential buyer in a positive way!  

If you would like a personal consultation on how to add some curb appeal, contact The Schwark Team and let us use our real estate expertise to assist you!  Home Staging inside and out is something we are proud to offer!

Exterior Fall Maintenance - Do it Before the Snow Flies!

While Indy has been experiencing some warmer than normal autumn days these past few weeks, don't be fooled! Colder weather is on the way, and soon we will be buttoned up for the winter months!

While it's easy to get into the mindset that we will have plenty of time before the snow flies to take care of winter maintenance... NOW is the time to get outside and work on any exterior chores that need to be accomplished prior to winter!

PAINT - it's important to make sure any peeling paint or exposed wood is scraped, primed and painted in order to preserve the material as well as prolong the life!  You don't want wood rot, or moisture damage!  Make sure you read the paint can instructions about temperature and drying time for proper adhesion and curing!

GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS - Make sure those gutters are clean and empty of debris!  A clogged gutter along with downspouts not properly directed away from the home can cause big issues!

CRAWL SPACE - We encourage you to inspect your crawl at least twice per year!  Moisture in the crawl can cause issues with organic growth and can prove costly if left unattended.  Many times homeowners have no clue about any crawl space issues until their home is pending and a home inspection is completed!  It's also a good time to take a good look in your attic space!

TREES: Are there any limbs that need to be trimmed back or away from your home?

PATIO FURNITURE - If you have ample storage space... it's a great idea to store your furniture in a shed/mini barn.  It will prolong the life of your furniture and cushions.  If you cannot store the furniture,  investing in some outdoor furniture covers might be beneficial!

CHIMNEY - It's always a good idea to have a professional chimney sweep clean and inspect your chimney.  Also,  make sure you check the flashing and seal as needed

WASH WINDOWS - Not a fun task, but wash those windows and storms windows!

ROOF - Inspect for damaged or missing shingles.  Repair/replace as necessary to prevent further damage or water intrusion. This might be best handled by a professional contractor.

SUMP PUMP - Test that sump pump to make sure it's working properly! Also if able, install a battery backup for any power outages.

LANDSCAPE - Rake leaves, deadhead flowers, clean flower beds and landscaping areas, mulch as needed for winter protection and preservation of plants; work in compost to prepare beds for next spring

LAWN & GARDEN EQUIPMENT - Store hoses & protect outdoor spigots as needed, clean & store garden tools; Have lawn mower serviced & blades sharpened NOW so you don't have to be on a long waiting list in the spring, or be without your mower when your really need it! 

LAWN - November is a GREAT time to put down a winterizer/fertilizer.  Check your local hardware or garden centers!

So pull on your flannel shirt or sweatshirt; throw on your work boots and enjoy being outside taking care of your investment!  Not only are you taking care of your home, but raking leaves is good for you!

Happy Fall!