Creating Curb Appeal

Wear a hat. Remember to eat breakfast. Handwritten thank you notes are more impactful than an email or (horror!) text. First impressions are important.

Mothers offer a wealth of solid advice. And while the last example is most often associated with personal appearance, it applies equally to the first impression your home’s exterior makes on the world.

Curb appeal is vital if you are selling your home. But even if you aren’t, it’s still important. Having a well-maintained, orderly, and aesthetically appealing home is a comfort to embrace. When you pull into the driveway after a long day at work, it’s comforting to be greeted by tidy landscaping and a welcoming front porch.

And if you are working from home during lockdown? A well-maintained home takes on more importance because an uncluttered work environment frees you up to concentrate on your job, not all the things you have to tick off your To Do list.

Here are five ways to instantly create curb appeal to boost your home’s appearance, and your spirit!

Keep landscaping tidy. Your yard does not have to boast elaborate gardens or meticulously maintained lawns. But keeping your grass mowed and shrubs trimmed goes a long way to giving your home’s exterior a neat appearance.
Focus on your front door. Looking for a fresh look but don’t want to paint your entire house? Paint the front door instead. A coat of paint will work wonders, giving a previously scuffed and scratched door a spruced up look. Another easy update is switching out hardware. Add an old-fashioned door knocker. Or create a statement with an engraved name plate or “Welcome” sign.
Turn your front porch into an outdoor room. You are lucky if you have a front porch, but even a small stoop can serve as a place to relax and enjoy a cup of morning coffee or evening wine. Add a bench or chair and small table as space allows. Include seasonal pillows for comfort. Potted plants add interest. Holiday/seasonal door decorations and yard flags placed by the porch serve as outdoor art. A new door mat completes the look.
Add color with flowers. Flowers are an easy way to add interest, and you can change the display to keep pace with the seasons: tulips, daffodils, iris, and peonies for spring; roses, petunias, zinnias, phlox, and hostas for summer; mums, asters, and pansies for fall. Deck your front door with seasonal wreaths. Add a collection of flower pots for instant and constant color.
Keep up on maintenance. Make sure your windows are clean and your front porch is swept. Repair faulty or outdated lighting, and clean the bugs out of porch lights. Give your rusty mailbox a fresh coat of paint. Replace faded or torn flags. Mulch the landscaping that surrounds your home’s entrance. Fill cracks in the walk leading to your front door.

Your home is a haven. Creating a welcoming environment for you and your guests is simple and does not have to break the bank. With a little attention and a bit of maintenance, your home can have year-round curb appeal.

* Specific loan program availability and requirements may vary. Please get in touch with your mortgage advisor for more information.