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Spring Curb Appeal

By
Home Stager with HOLT modern Home Staging

 After a long winter of freezing temperatures and mounds of snow, nothing is appreciated more than the spring thaw. Just the thought of being able to shed the layers of coats, hats mitts and boots will bring a smile to anyone's face.

However, the arrival of spring's beautifully warm days, posses a problem to homeowners looking to cash in on the Spring Real Estate Market. As the lovely fresh layer of snow melts into a mucky, salt laden pile crusted with odds bits of trash, a once picture perfect home worthy of being on Wisteria Lane can look more like a set from Nightmare on Elm Street!

Not to worry, with some simple ideas and a little effort you can bring inspiring curb appeal ready to attract your perfect buyer.

Cleaning Checklist:

  • Pick-up all the trash.
  • If your Christmas tree is still on your porch or front lawn, well you get the idea.
  • Sweep and power wash driveway, walkway, porch and stairs.
  • Clean any dead plants and shrubbery from flower beds.
  • Ensure that all garbage cans and recycling containers are stored out of sight.
  • Wash front door, porch door, exterior light fixture (change bulbs if required) and windows.
  • Replace mailbox and house numbers, if they are looking worn.

Forgot to plant those spring bulbs last fall? Don't fret. Add a little colour to your flower beds and planters by using pre-planted bulbs in plastic containers. If frost still might be an issue, sink empty plastic planters in the ground and slip in planted bulbs when you have a viewing or open house.

 The exterior of a home is the first chance you have to make an impression on a buyer. Many prospects will drive by a home and quickly decide if it is worth getting out of the car. Be sure to attract as many buyers as possible by putting these tips to work for you.

Alyse Bromberg
Dressed for Success - Kingston, ON

I was actually just writing almost this same article for my next newsletter!!  I especially like this line!!!

"As the lovely fresh layer of snow melts into a mucky, salt laden pile crusted with odds bits of trash, a once picture perfect home worthy of being on Wisteria Lane can look more like a set from Nightmare on Elm Street!"

 

Mar 20, 2007 07:51 AM
Lucie Quigley
HOLT modern Home Staging - Halifax, NS
Alyse, feel free to use the exerpt in your newsletter!
Mar 20, 2007 07:57 AM
Alyse Bromberg
Dressed for Success - Kingston, ON
WOw, thanks Lucie, that's so kind of you!! 
Mar 20, 2007 07:59 AM
Maureen Graziano
Third Eye Home Staging - West Islip, NY
Hi Lucie - great tips.  I agree, if the outside doesn't look good, there is no incentive to look inside!
Mar 20, 2007 08:20 AM
Penny Province
Province Staged Properties - Denver, CO
Province Staged Properties
Thanks for the Spring cleaning tips, Lucie.  Here in Denver we had a really tough winter and anything about Spring sounds good--even Spring cleaning!
Mar 20, 2007 08:38 AM
Teri B. Clark
http://www.teribclark.com - Sanford, NC
So many people think of spring cleaning as an indoor event. If you are going to sell your home, spring cleaning the outside is a must! And even if you aren't selling, your neighbors will appreciate the effort!
Mar 21, 2007 06:18 AM
Sue Argue
Staged First Impressions - Hampton, NH
NH Home Stager
Lucie, you are right about a new mailbox...that is often overlooked, and many times it is the first thing people see at the bottom of the driveway. A fairly inexpensive fix, too.
Mar 21, 2007 01:39 PM
Gina Dougherty
Fusion Design Consulting - Redondo Beach, CA
Home Staging Redondo Beach, CA- FusionDesignConsulting.com
Lucie, great post and great tips.  It is absolutely the perfect time to gear the curb appeal up for Spring and the Spring Home-buying season!
Mar 22, 2007 04:46 AM
Reece Mack
Simplicity Home Design, Thousand Oaks, CA - Thousand Oaks, CA
Owner

If you can belive it we also had a really cold spell out here in California and many of mine and my clients plants have died and look horrible!  I just finished a staging job yesterday where we focused a lot on the front and backyard of the house.  Taking out the dead plants/trees and adding flowers, new bushes and fresh new bark!  Flowers w/ color and fresh bark are my number one favorite tools to spiff up any yard and make it look great!  Set the patio table with a pot of flower and some outdoor place settings and your set!  A beautiful curb appeal front and back!

Mar 22, 2007 06:06 AM
Sandi Gerrard
Toronto, ON

Great tips !  I have also written a similar piece for my spring newsletter.  It's funny how we still have to mention things like the Christmas decorations so long after the fact ...

Mar 22, 2007 11:03 AM