We read so much these days about curb appeal and how important it is to make a first impression, and I do think this is important, but....

Kathy Haight, of the Charlotte Observer has taken it one step further in her article Consider the Face of a Home Before Buying. (as spotlighted by Realtor Magazine Online) In my opinion, she has taken it one step further. Pealed one more layer off the onion, if you will.

She points out that beyond how the home looks on the outside; we must also look at the outside of the home. This part of the home also speaks to us, if we will listen.

But what is it saying?

The outside of the home is telling us what kind of maintenance and possibly cost it will take to maintain or possibly create beauty.

Kathy points out a number of things the outside of the home may be saying to us. For example (taken from the article):

1. "Wood looks great, but it must be painted or stained and is susceptible to rot and termites".

2. "Brick is durable, never needs painting, is fire-resistant and energy efficient, but shifts in the soil and constant contact with rain and snow and can cause cracks in the mortar between the bricks. Re-pointing a house is expensive, so buyers should make sure the seller takes care of any problems with deteriorating brick."

3. "Vinyl siding, if properly installed, is durable and needs little maintenance. Newer vinyls with insulated backing are rigid and energy efficient. From a distance, it looks like real wood. But vinyl tends to fade and can't be repainted, and some people also think it looks cheap. "

4. "Fiber cement is a durable, low-maintenance siding that looks like wood. It resists fire, water and termite damage. It holds paint well and isn't as expensive as it once was."

5. "Stucco looks like concrete. It's similar to brick in durability, maintenance and price".

6. "Synthetic stucco applied over Styrofoam has had problem with rot and mold. Anyone interested in buying a house covered with this material should have it inspected by a stucco specialist before buying."

So, what can we learn from this? When we are out looking at homes, let's remember to put on our listening ears and hear EVERYTHING a home is telling us.