Blog Post: Curb Appeal-What Does Your House Really Look Like?

April is already here, and many of us get the urge to begin our spring cleaning.  One place that often is overlooked when cleaning is the front of our homes. We often stop really “seeing” how our home looks to our neighbors or for those driving by it. How often do you look at the front of your house? Many of us just enter our homes by driving into the garage, and rarely go in or out through the front door.

Whether you are thinking about selling your home soon, or just want to spruce it up, spring is a perfect time to make your home shine inside and out.

An easy way to truly “see” how your home looks to others is to grab up your camera. Take a walk out in front of your home and take pictures of your home from different angles. Take a good look at your pictures. What is the first impression you have of both the house and your front yard? 

You may discover some areas that need attention that have been overlooked. If you are considering selling your house, imagine you are a potential buyer first driving by and seeing it. Would they think your house looks inviting or would they see work that needs to be done and not even stop their car?

Make a list of areas that need some work such as:

• Disposing of old leaves, newspapers, and clutter
• Trim back any leggy plants or tree limbs
• Clean windows and gutters
• Freshen up with new paint if needed
• Pressure wash siding and walkways
• Repaint or clean your mailbox
• Repair fencing and gates as needed
• Clean up the side yards
• Clean your front door and hardware

Spring is also the perfect time to add in some fresh bright colors to your landscaping. Decide where color will be the most effective. Try to draw attention to the best features of your home by placing bright flowers nearby them, or lead people to your home with color along the walkway.  

It is also a nice touch to add a new focal point such as a planter or urn near your front door. Think about throwing out your present doormat and buying a new one to finish the look.

Pamela Blankenship
Century 21 Adobe Realty, Agoura Hills
Pambi@Century21.com