The summer months mean time outdoors under the sun and surrounded by natural beauty. It’s nearly impossible to avoid the inviting sights and sounds of the season. Perhaps this is why August was chosen as the month to clean up your home’s exterior, and maintain great curb appeal with pride.
August is “National Curb Appeal” month, and if you are in the process of selling, or plan to sell your home soon, it’s important to take a step back and look at your property from an outsider’s perspective. You are now the potential buyer—what’s missing from your home’s exterior? Explore these curb appeal tips and see how simple changes can make a positive impact on the home buying and selling process.
30 Mark Twain Lane—Redding, CT
Basic Clean-up
Let’s start with the basics. Simply tidying up your yard and home’s exterior is the most important part of a positive curb appeal. About Home says to clean the outside of your home with a power wash, and make sure to replace old features, roofs and decks, as well as patios or porches. In addition, gutters should be clear and windows washed thoroughly. Any unnecessary items such as toys or garden tools should be stored away, and don’t forget to mow the lawn regularly, hedge the shrubs and plants, and keep any trees away from the house by trimming branches back. But, it doesn’t end there. Curb appeal encompasses the entire home, with future homebuyers commonly searching the residence from all vantage points. Maintaining the rear of your home and yard as well, is the key to selling success.
58 Fallow Field Lane—Fairfield, CT
Catch the Eye
Colors always stand out. From classic neutrals and dark, daring colors to light pastels that create a tropical atmosphere, picking the perfect color is essential to keeping up with your home’s curb appeal. According to Better Homes and Gardens magazine, homeowners should maintain appealing tones that blend well with the property’s setting. Plus, a fresh coat of paint always helps to sell a home, anyway!
The Doorway to Success
It seems logical that the door is one of the most important parts of curb appeal. It’s where your first impressions of the home are made, and therefore should possess a welcoming feel. HGTV Magazine advises the presence of decorative moldings, bold shades that catch the eye or possibly even an entire new entrance that fits naturally with your home. For some houses, matching shutters could add a nice touch.
120 Underhill Road—Scarsdale, NY
Light up the Night
Keep your home’s curb appeal aglow throughout the night. Low voltage lighting lined along the driveway and sidewalks, as well as near important certain landscape elements can add great ambiance and character. Lamps and light fixtures for decorative purposes are also an option. Subtly welcome all who pass by with additional enhanced lighting in your home’s windows and doorways.
54 Island Drive—Rye, NY
Make a Plan
It’s always smart to make a landscape design plan to achieve great curb appeal. Stone or brick pathways that lead to your home’s entrance among a lush, manicured yard is a solid place to start. Realtor Magazine describes this landscape tactic as the ideal way to immediately welcome visitors, urging them to enter. Flowers should also be included in well-kept flower beds as well as in areas such as sidewalk corners, the bottom of porch steps or circling the residence’s mailbox. Make sure to keep the garden fresh and lively, but not overgrown, as plants and trees may obscure views of the house.
Come on In
Finally, don’t forget to add some touches of warmth to the front of your home. Visitors will feel comfortable entering with the presence of certain front porch items such as weather-resistant rocking chairs, benches with pillows, wicker chairs and even a personalized home address plaque. A charming and friendly first impression can only improve the home buying experience, and make individuals want to return to the property’s pleasant atmosphere. 
11 Stony Point Road—Westport, CT
