Curb Your Curb Appeal

Whether you are trying to sell your home or just make it more appealing, the exterior is the first thing buyers or guests will see. It is important to make sure that from the curb your home is aesthetically pleasing. It does not really matter what the inside looks like if the outside is an instant eye sore or turn off. Adding charm to the exterior also adds value and overall attractiveness to the entire property. Make sure you are not overdoing it or going about it the wrong way. Overkill is not necessary and unfortunately it is prevalent. Learn to let go and curb your curb appeal.

As a Realtor, I can not tell you how many times I have walked onto a property with someone, and the first words were “Uh oh, I hope the inside looks better.” Or “Wow, so far, so good.” Let us focus on the dos and don'ts of proper curb appeal.

Siding should be well kept and painted if needed. Carefully choose a proper color to accentuate the style or features of your home and neighborhood. Bold colors are chancy and have to be selected with caution. It doesn't matter where you are in the country, Every location is different. Some Victorian or traditional homes here in Ohio, in areas such as Lakewood, Rocky River, Cleveland Heights and Beachwood, are best suited for bold colors. If your home is modern, earth tones may clash. Cold colors such as blues and purples typically do not work well with brick homes while pale or neutral colors may drown out a home’s architecture depending on the surroundings and other homes on the street.

Pressure-wash any dingy siding, decking, awnings and porches and replace siding sections that may have dents or flaws. Any mold or moss growth should be removed (Bleach and pressure-wash). Old television antenna or satellite dishes should be taken down and chimney caps in place along with proper flashing.

Windows and screens should all be in tact and cleaned regularly. A stiff bristle hair brush works well for screen build up. New storm doors are a great way to add appeal for a decent price. If your current doors/screens are in need of paint or replacement, it may be something to consider.



Windows in today’s market are looked at seriously and replacement windows are almost expected. New windows can add a wow factor instantly. If you can’t quite swing it, at least make sure your existing windows are sparkling, free of cracks, functional, and there are no missing storms or screens. Paint the window trim if needed. No paint should be chipping or pealing including on the home, porch, awnings, or windows.

The yard should always be looking its best. Bushes and landscaping should be neat and trimmed so that the beauty of your home is seen. The lawn should be edged and flower beds maintained if present. Patches on the lawn should be filled in and weeds removed on a regular basis.

Proper watering is necessary to maintain the work and money you’ve put in. Wild flowers purchased in quarter packets should never be planted if they are going to become overgrown and not kept up. If you have had mulch in the past but have not freshened up the beds with new mulch recently, replace or remove. Ferns on the porch or planted flowers in pots that are now wilting or dead should be removed instantly and flower color choices should not clash with the home’s color scheme.

Too many different style bushes, trees or flowers bunched together can clutter and overcrowd the beauty of each group individually. Complement the landscaping and space accordingly. Large porches should have large planted pots. One small hanging basket on a wrap around country porch is best put away. A happy medium of colors/sizes of flowers and plants is key.

Large trees that are or are starting to hang onto the home or garage should be watched and trimmed often. Not only can it cause harm to your roof but it scares potential buyers away and looks neglectful. Gutters should not have plants growing inside of them. I’m serious. I have seen gutters that have not been cleaned in so long that there is build up and growth.

Make sure all outdoor items that are not being used are put away neatly, including lawnmowers, toys, hoses, garbage cans, and couches and refrigerators on porches. If it does not belong outside, it should not be there.

Address numbers should be the proper size and color for your home or location it is placed. Adding new address numbers or a new mailbox is a cheap and effective way to spruce up the home.

Lighting is also a crucial part of exterior appeal. Solar or ground insert lighting along flowerbeds or walkways should all have bulbs. If one is blown out, the entire effect is ruined. Keep with the same lighting choice. If you’re working with amber lights, stick with amber. Place accent lights near doors and make sure the home looks welcoming after dark.

A home buyer looks at the exterior first. If the items mentioned above are not addressed properly they view it as neglect. If you are neglecting the outside, what should they expect on the inside? Don’t let them raise eyebrows before even stepping foot on the inside. Guests, visitors and neighbors will appreciate your efforts and notice your attention to detail and maintenance. Most importantly, you won’t be coming house, you’ll be coming home. You will reap the benefits and be pleased with your work and homes curb appeal.