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How to Spend An Hour and Increase Curb Appeal

By
Real Estate Agent with Bella Casa Real Estate Group

This is a cute house, but it needed a little sprucing up to show it's best and attract a buyer.  I didn't have much money, but I had a vision.

before curb appeal

I went plant shopping and got a great deal on a few plants at Portland Nursery.   I walked out with 3 plants for $11!  I picked up a few pansies in bloom  at Lowe's and I was on my way. 

Since I love gardening, I have a plethera of plants potted up that need homes.  I brought a Rainbow Yucca flaccida, or Bright Edge Yucca,, two Kniphofia, or Red Hot Pokers, and two cpurple Heuchera, or Coral Bells.  They are small now, but they'll be gorgeous when they grow up.  I picked up a couple of bage of soil and a bag of mulch and headed for my clients' house.

We picked the location and size of the new garden plot and the homeowners started digging out the sod.  One good thing about doing garden projects in the winter in Oregon is the ground is saturated and easy to work.  An hour later, we had the plants dug in and the topdressing of mulch in place. 

An extra bonus is all of the plants I picked are drought tolerant and hardy in Oregon, so they should look great for years to come!

The new picture looks a lot more appealing when you browse through images of homes in the RMLS and WVMLS.  A great investment for minimal up front costs and an hour of work!

After curb appeal

Margaret Oscilia
Creative Concepts-Home Staging and Contracting, Salem Oregon - Salem, OR
Home Stager, Salem Oregon

Kim -- You certainly go above and beyond for your clients!  Breaking up that large expanse of grass with some plants and flowers did wonders for the curb appeal.  Will be nice to have it looking so great in the spring for the new buyers as well! 

Dec 16, 2008 11:28 PM
Dawn Isenhower
Sibcy Cline Realtors - Milford, OH

It is amazing what a little landscaping will do. Plants just add such a special touch anywhere they are. I am glad to hear that the homeowners were willing to go along with it too. Very nice. I have a home listed right now that could really use some color and beauty in certain areas, but since it is winter, I cannot do anything yet.

Dec 17, 2008 12:26 PM
Michelle Tucker ~ Pooler Real Estate
!Daley Real Estate - Pooler, GA
Rincon~Savannah~Richmond Hill

Kim:  WOW...the plants really helped bring life to the house.  It is great to hear that there are Realtors, who still actually care about their clients.  I recently helped a possible listing client remove tons of newspaper and magazines from their living room.  You will make a impact on your sellers and the best part, they will be talking about you for years to come.  Great job with your customer service!  KIM = Yamhill Valley Realtor of Choice. Best of luck with the sale.

Dec 17, 2008 02:32 PM
Ann Heitland
Retired from RE/MAX Peak Properties - Flagstaff, AZ
Retired from Flagstaff Real Estate Sales

Great post, and great job. Welcome to Active Rain.

Dec 17, 2008 02:59 PM
Jim Valentine
RE/MAX Realty Affiliates - Gardnerville, NV

Kim,

Welcome to AR and thanks for the post!  You did an excellant job spicing up the drab exterior and making this home stand outin the market.

Dec 18, 2008 05:35 PM
Regina P. Brown
MBA Broker Consultants - Carlsbad, CA
M.B.A., Broker, Instructor

Kim, you are a wonderful agent.  The "AFTER" photo is much better than the "BEFORE" photo.  You spent your own time and money and energy, I hope the sellers appreciate it!

Join my NEW group for professionals who work from their home office at http://activerain.com/groups/virtualoffice

Regina P. Brown

Dec 20, 2008 07:30 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

You're right, a little bit of color really helps to add some curb appeal.  Good luck with the marketing!

Jan 02, 2009 03:19 PM