We Answer Wednesday - How to create curb appeal in the early spring

"My house is hitting the real estate market very soon.  I know we have a great house on the inside but right now in this early spring weather, it's not looking great.  What can we do to increase our curb appeal when our gardens aren't in bloom?"


You are so right! Depending on where you live this time of year isn't the prettiest.  The good news is there are simple things that you can do to show off your great outdoor space. But your home is on the market now and you don't want to wait until the gardens are in full bloom.

The gardens aren't quite in bloom yet and the garden centers are gearing up for the season but in some areas it is still a bit early for planting.  But the grass is green, so use what you have and make the best of it.  So start with giving your yards (front and back) a good raking.  There is always some dead leaves and branches on the ground - just getting those off the grass will give the exterior a clean look.  Depending on your area you grass might be a bit on the long side.  So give it a mow and you will notice how much neater everything looks.



Flowers are a great way to add a splash of colour but because you are selling you might not want to make a huge investment in flowers this spring season plus it is still a bit early for planting.  A great alternative is planters at the front of the house and if you have a great deck space, some planters at the back are a nice touch too. So in these early spring days which flowers can handle this fresher weather? Potted Pansies are a great option - they are sturdy and colourful and if you take care of them, they will last all summer.  A bit of height is a good idea when creating your planters - in the spring we love forsythia - the pop of yellow draws the eye in! Remember these 3 words when creating a planter: Spill, Fill and Thrill; in other works, have some greenery or flowers that hang over the edge of the planter, have some plants and flowers that fill the majority of the pot (of medium height) and some height - the image below is a great example of a spring planter.



Create a welcoming vignette at the front door - this is the buyers first impression of the home so make it count! If you have a porch put out a bench with a cushion for a pop of colour.  Try a wreath on the front door. 


Just because it isn't summer yet doesn't mean you can't set the scene for buyers.  So pull out and dust off that patio furniture - maybe this is a bit early than usual but remember you are show casing your home for buyers so you want them to see how they would enjoy summer BBQs and get togethers outside.  So place the furniture like you would if you were entertaining so have a dining area and a seating area. Roll out the BBQ and take off the cover.  Now that the furniture is set up and clean, make it pretty with some outdoor pillows and maybe even an outdoor rug - it creates a welcoming scene for buyers.





Want to take it to the next level? For the photos you can set the dining table or at the seating area, set up a tray with a pitcher  - this will help make that emotional connection with the potential buyers who are looking online.

If you have a pool, make sure to have it open and running.  A pool always looks better (and photographs better) when it is blue and beautiful!

If you have incredible gardens or a beautiful flowering tree look through your photos and see if you have some beautiful 'full bloom' summer photos to share with your agent - these would be great to show buyers as well.

Other curb appeal factors to look into:

- check all exterior lighting are the bulbs in working order ?
- brush away any cobwebs or other debris that may have collected over the winter
- check the mailbox, is it rusted or loosely affixed to the house?
- does your doorbell work?
- how is the paint on the front door?
- how is the roof?
- sweep the walkways, driveway, porch and decks

We Answer Wednesday - Curb Appeal

"My husband and I will be putting our home on the market but not for a few months.  By the time, it is listed for sale we will be in Sunny Florida. The interior of the home will be clean and tidy, plus it will be furnished but do we need to get regular outdoor maintenance taken care of?"

It's so great that you are planning ahead for the sale of your home.  The interior of the home being clean, tidy and staged is great but don't forget about the exterior!  Yes, everyone loves to see a beautifully manicured lawn, lush and colourful gardens and green trees in the summer months but that doesn't mean that curb appeal doesn't play a role in the other months, too.

Curb appeal isn't just a summer thing, it's important year round! The exterior of your home is the first thing buyers will see and if it is not well maintained that could be a bit of a red flag to buyers.  You also you want to make a good first impression and a welcoming one, too.  And in the winter months, not maintaining your exterior can also be a safety issue - those are equally important factors when it comes to selling your home.

The summer months are definitely the prettiest months for curb appeal but a well maintained exterior is noticeable all year long. So much of the monthly maintenance is dependent on your climate but here are some helpful tips.

 

In the fall months -
*sweep the porch and walkway, and driveway
*make sure all light bulbs are in working order (the days are getting shorter so lights will be very important)
*the grass is still growing so be sure to have it cut
*for some extra curb appeal some fall planters or a wreath maybe even some pumpkins to celebrate the fall season.

 

In the winter months-
*be sure to shovel the porch,driveway and walkways,
*salt or sand those areas too
*again be sure that the light bulbs are fully functional and set to turn on at dusk, this is great for showings but also anyone driving by
*to add some extra curb appeal you can add a winter wreath!

 

In the spring months-
*the grass isn't quite green yet but the flowers are starting to bloom (depending on the climate) but *give your lawn a bit of a rake to remove any winter debris,
*clear off the porch, walkways and driveways (debris, salt/sand and any garbage)
*for some extra impact bring out some colourful outdoor pillows to any bench or seating, add a spring floral wreath
*later in the spring add some planters with spring flowers to add some colour



Before you put your home on the market be sure to check that your exterior has the following:
- a clear address plate (you want buyers and agents to find your property)
- the paint on the front door isn't chipped or peeling
- the front steps are in good condition
- the mail box, grip set and door bell are in good working condition
- windows close and open easily
- the exterior materials (brick, siding etc...) are in good condition

Any buyer that comes to your home should be 'WOW'ed by it and it shouldn't matter if it is May or January.  Make that impression every time!

Your Curb Appeal Checklist

Many home sellers tend to neglect the appearance of their frontage when in fact the “curb appeal” is as important as the main living areas in the house. Spring is finally here and now it's time to really focus on making the exterior of your home look top notch!  Just because potential buyers scope out homes online and can really focus on the home's interior (and the inside of your home has been upgraded and maintained) doesn't mean that the exterior maintenance of your home is no longer important. When buyers come in for a showing, remember that it is the first thing that will greet them and you have to make a good impression.

 

So, before hitting the panic button, here’s a quick checklist of the things that you need to cover and get done before a showing.

FOLIAGE

- Make sure walk, porches and decks are swept clean
- Make sure the lawn is manicured and maintained
-  For highly visible areas, like the front garden you may want to consider some professional landscaping or at least planting some plants and flowers; and choose plants that work with the season
- Repair any broken steps, replacing missing paving stones...
- Clip shrubs, weed flower beds and remove any dead branches




LIGHTING

- Clean exterior light bulb
- Replace burnt out light bulbs
- Make sure your lighting matches and that is compliments the look of the home
- Make sure there is sufficient lighting at the front porch and driveway
- Keep your exterior lights on after dusk, you never know who might be driving by to look at your home



DOORMAT

- Pick a doormat that will help keep from dirt transferring into your home
- Stay away from a personalized doormat, remember this isn't your home anymore....
- Find a doormat that works with the decor of your home
- Buy a new new doormat, it's not expensive

 


COLOUR

- Spruce up the front door with a new coat of paint
- When planting or updating your garden looks for some colourful options
- A bright pop of colour can make an impact be sure to choose the right colour(s)
- Use colour at the entry (interior or exterior) a little bench with a colourful pillow is warm and welcoming
- Add some planters (ideally one taller than the other) and plant some seasonal flowers and plants 






Items like a great bench with pillows and planters can come with you to your next home so don't feel like you are 'wasting' money to sell your current home ...it's worth it to sell and you will have the benefit of enjoying those items later. 

Staging tips for Selling your Home in the Fall Months

It is now mid-October, we have had frost warnings, the leaves on trees are turning colour and falling, and fireplaces will soon find themselves useful. While most of us are excited for this amazing season, people in the real estate are preparing themselves because once the cold sets in, the number of buyers out there will start to sink.

While you still have time to prepare for the cold season, don’t waste these days and take advantage before the winter season sets in. Remember that no one would want to go home shopping when it’sfreezing cold and everything is covered in snow!

One of the essential strategies to get a sale before the holidays is home staging, regardless if you’re using the help of a real estate agent or selling the house by yourself.
Here are a few tips to make your home look perfect this fall.

Maintain your yard

Rake leaves, trim bushes, and use seasonal flowers. Keep it looking fresh! Always remember that the curb appeal is as important as the interior. It’s the first thing that your potential buyers will see. This about an inviting front door vignette with a wreath and maybe some pumpkins or a bench with some pillows

 

Control back to school clutter

Back to school season can create clutter in your entry. Make sure to have a place for your backpacks, shoes and other items the kids need to grab before catching the bus. This can even give the new homeowners some great ideas too

Keep it neat and simple

While Halloween and Thanksgiving are not religious specific, too much decorating can distract buyers. Remember less is more. This can be tough with children so don't eliminate it completely but keep it subtle and stay away from the gore,  keep it cute and have it is specific areas and not every square inch of the house

Use home decor that takes a cue from nature

Rather than ghosts, scary monsters or turkeys display pumpkins, hay and flowers. Nothing can scare away potential buyers like handmade scarecrows or frighteningly realistic gory Halloween decorations. A simple bowl of fresh apples or mini pumpkins as a dining centerpiece is simple but effective.  An empty corner that looks odd can easily be filled with a tall glass vases filled with tall sticks.  A door looks more welcoming when it is dressed up a bit too

Turn your fireplace on for showings to set the mood

A little warmth emanating from the fireplace evokes a welcoming atmosphere. A crackling fire says “welcome home”, as well as well-placed candles to complete that warm, snug room.  And in cooler months a fireplace will be on the minds of buyers, so make sure they can't help but notice it!

 

Add pillows

Use furry throws, pillows and texture in your home decor to create a cozy feel. Or, think about adding a splash of pillow with pillows in fall inspired colours, warm colours can make any space look and feel inviting. Pillows are inexpensive additions to your home and knowing how to use them will surely bring a big difference.

 

The cinnamon effect

Remember to use candles, incense and other oils to infuse fall scents, like vanilla or apple cinnamon. No, you don’t need to bake a bunch of sugar cookies before the showing, but investing in a tasteful, subtle scented autumn candle will do just fine in eliciting that cozy feeling buyers want to experience when they walk into their future house.

 

Curb Appeal Combinations

A huge part of presenting your home for sale on the real estate market is curb appeal and if you are considering selling your home any time soon you really do need to spend some time thinking about how your home looks to passers by.  Of course we all know the expression "don't judge a book by it's cover" but in the real estate world that just does not apply.  If a home look unkempt and unruly on the outside, buyers just assume the inside will be the same and they just pass by.

Not sure where to start or what to do?

Start with basic maintenance: trim shrubs, weed gardens, cut the grass, rake the leaves, shovel the snow, and salt the walkways.  But also look at light bulbs, exterior house numbers, paint and windows - are they in good working condition and do they look good.

The exterior of a home and it's curb appeal is instant advertising.  Ever seen a home in your neighbourhood that you always thought was stunning from the streets and wondered what the interior was like? Well, buyers do that very thing.

If you want to do some exterior updates, here are some easy combinations for you.

If you have a coastal inspired home, this combinations are for you.
Exterior colours- siding: Pewter Mug by Behr ; Trim: Swan Wing by Behr; Shutters: Beluga by Behr and Front Door: Awning Red by Behr

 

Try a 15 windowpane French Door to let in plenty of natural light.

Try painted ceramic house numbers

Add a lamp post with a 3 panel lantern light post and a built-in cross bar to hang a potted plant or flower pot.


For gorgeous gardens, hostas are perfect for either side of the front steps.  they are easy to grown and come back bigger and bigger every year.  Add some ferns too for an even lusher look.  For hedges, consider tall and dense Skip Laurel Hedges can reach about 10 to 12 feet, they offer privacy and make a perfect back drop for plants and flowers.  Keep to a tight colour palette with your florals - pink New Guninea impatiens, blue hydrangea and pink astilbe add colour, texture and visual interest.


If your home is more English country side with a storybook feel this combination is for you:
Stucco: Standish white by Benjamin Moore; Trim: Rockport Gray by Benjamin Moore; Shutters and Door: Crimson by Benjamin Moore

Roof shingles: Get the look of cedar shingles without the expense and maintenance.  Try an asphalt option with mixed tones.  Stick with golden brown tones.

Hanging planters add warmth to a space, try a hanging planter in natural moss with some iron work accents to play into the storybook look.  Plant petunias and million bells in pinks and purples.  You can plant in the late spring and if you maintain them they will bloom up and into the fall.

Add some more colour to your garden with Japanese Maples - it's reddish purple leaves really standout in an all green yard




If you have a more nautical home with a contemporary flair, this combination is for you.

Siding and trim: Spanish white by Benjamin Moore; Shutters: Rodeo by Benjamin Moore; Front door: Northern Cliffs by Benjamin Moore

 

Look for a front door in a style with a raised molding and a window in a single panel.

A porch light in an aged bronze finish with clear glass panels.  It adds some more traditional element to the exterior.  Make sure to match the finish on all of the hardware like the mailbox, grip set and address numbers.

Clean and simple house numbers have a classic and timeless style especially against a white home.

For the garden, a great combination of terra cotta pots filled with ivy and spike plants and pops of colour from begonias look fresh especially against the white and gray exterior.



If you have a  more traditional Tudor style home with accents of brick, siding and stucco, try this combination.

Siding and stucco: Mega Greige by Sherwin-Williams; Trim: Warm Stone by Sherwin-Williams; Shutters: Take Five by Sherwin-Williams; Front Door: Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams








Planted urns on the front steps filled with purple geraniums, trailing margarita and pink begonias add a splash of colour. 

For lighting, try a lantern in forged iron with a pagoda shaped top

Front door - herb garden

I love this idea!  And I plan to do this at home by my front door.  I think it is so pretty, practical and I love welcoming guests with a fabulous fragrance as they come in to visit.



Use which ever herbs you like and are likely to use.  Seen here: sage, thyme, chives, rosemary, oregano, basil and parsley.  But keep in mind - if you want to plant mint just plant it all on it's own (in the top pot) because it grows very aggressively and will take over.  But it is so great in tea and mojitos!

Buying fresh potted herbs from a nursery is super inexpensive.  Plus they grow quickly and get really full and lush. 

To get started, you will need:

- potting soil
- herbs (assorted and any you like)
- 5 terra-cotta pots (large, medium and small, see below)

1.  Place the largest pot in the desired location.  Next centre one smaller pot inside the large one and put it up side down. Fill the empty ring with soil

2.  Repeat step 1 and follow the diagram


3.  Once all layers are fill of potting soil, start planting your herbs and enjoy!


* a neat idea to keep your herbs labeled, you can use chalk board paint on the pots and use chalk to label.

**don't like the colour of terra-cotta? No problem, purchase a paint (spray can is easiest) and paint over that colour.  You can get the look you want !

Hello, Colour!

Spring is here!  And if you are looking to give your home a little makeover, have you thought about something as easy as your front door colour?  Such any easy fix and now that the weather is getting warmer and drier (very soon) it's the perfect time!

So what colour to choose?  Here's a few great ideas...from Beauti-tone Paints

1- Beauti-Tone Wet Sands 3H2-7  a beautiful golden orange tone. 

2 - Beauti-Tone Green Conifer Hills 5141EC a classic and tradition colour but if you are a fan of green but want to stay understated this is mixed with black so it isn't too green

3 - Beauti-Tone Earthenware  3E1-8  I love a red door but finding the right red it tricky.  I also love an orange too but sometimes it can look too much like it's a Halloween decoration.  So this colour is perfect!

4 - Beauti-tone Direct Line 436  Purple is a great colour choice for an exterior door.  I've selected a variety of purple hues for condos and single family homes.  This purple is rich and regal but would also work well in contemporary design

5 - Beauti-Tone Grey Eyeshadow SC047  A great grey option, looks great in traditional or contemporary style door.  If you find black too intense this is a great alternative.

6 - Beauti-Tone Loving it 3C2-8  I love a red door, very classic and yet still fun!  This is the perfect red door shade.

7- Beauti-Tone Hidden Mountains 5135EC  Aubergine is a great alternative to Cranberry which was so popular.  this is rich, sophisticated but a bit different.

Other elements to consider when you are changing you door colour. 

- Think about your trim, if you really want the door to stand out go with a lighter trim like white or cream.  Keeping the trim darker is a more modern look and really look at the age/style of the home to see if modernizing it is the way you want to go.

-  Update your grip set too.  That should include the knocker, kick plate, numbers (address plate) and mail slot or mail box.

- a good cleaning maybe even power washing is a good idea too

- How about the exterior lighting?  It should match the grip set.  So if the grip set is black so should the other accessories be.

-  I love to see some greenery around an exterior entry.  Planters, natural wreath, there are so many possibilities

Curb Appeal during the ugliest time of the year

Well it's hard to believe but October has come and gone and November is here! 

For those of you who have your homes on the market with a real estate agent or will have your home on the market soon, you are well aware that this time of year isn't exactly attractive.  The red, orange and gold leaves (for the most part) are gone, the hardy fall flowers are wilted and done and most of us are getting our gardens ready for the harsh winter cold. 

In the spring and summer, it is so easy to make the exterior of your home attractive to buyers but curb appeal is important all year long.

So how can you keep your home looking it's best during this time?

Start by keeping the exterior clean and tidy - sweep the porch and walk way so it isn't covered with dead leaves, rake up any of the garden waste.  As the temperature drops, make sure the exterior of your home is safe for buyers. Be sure to shovel and sweep walkways and steps and be sure to salt them, too. If you cannot take care of that yourself ask your real estate agent to recommend a company that can. Be sure that any icicles hanging from your gutters are cleared away, too.



Lighting is super important - make sure the exterior lights are all working (so replace any burnt out light bulbs) and now that it is getting darker earlier have the exterior lights on!  Not all night but after 4pm until roughly 8pm - you never know who is driving by and with the lights off your home may not be seen.  In the darker months, you could also use brighter bulbs to really enhance the look and the lighting of your home.

Welcoming front door - if you had an Halloween decor up it's time to take it down but you can still keep your fall decor - so any uncarved pumpkins, hay, corn and hardy potted mums that still look good, also a fall wreath adds warmth and colour too.  If you have an exterior chair or bench by the door, you can incorporate that too.

Stay current - even if the home is vacant you should still give the impression that you care and are still taking care of the home.  As the seasons change, keep up with them.  So at Christmas add some seasonal/appropriate pots and wreath to make the house feel like a home.

You don't want your home to be a drive by so be sure to take care of the home and have it look it's best at all times.  Be sure to speak to your real estate agent about keeping the exterior photos up to date with the season - if a buyer sees an exterior photo of your home that was taken in the fall and it's now snowy February they will see that the home has been on the market for a while and that will be reflected in their offer.

Better Homes Have Better Gardens

OK, so it's that time of year...again....selling season at it's peak!  So how do you stand out from the rest of the sellers out there? Well, first impression is key!  Whether you are selling you primary residence or an income property, the exterior or better known as curb appeal is so important.  But can you keep those costs of sprucing up your place low? Of course, this time of year there are many places that offer gardening tools and materials at great prices.  The best way to keep your costs down is doing the work yourself - if you don't have a clue where to start seek some advice from a professional (that is a service that is available but not usually offered unless you ask for it).  Landscapers can provide you with a plan and/or types of plants that would work best on your property without them actually doing the labour - so don't be shy and ask.

So what should you at least consider doing to your property to increase the value?

-  Pressure wash, if you don't have one ask around or rent from a home improvement store.  pressure wash your walls, decks, walkways, pool deck, parking areas etc...it doesn't take too much sweat equity and wow, it makes a huge impact!

- Interlocking, if your interlock bricks have weeds growing between them - remove them.  if your interlock bricks are sinking or cracked - fix them.  the early spring is the best time to tackle this job because the weeds aren't too unruly but either way, it makes a good impression no matter when it's done.

- Colour, some simple flower beds can go a long way and add a lot of visual interest to your property.  not only will it look attractive but it will send the message to buyers that this property is 'cared for'.  look at perennials as they come back every year and add a few annuals with colour they tend to be cheaper and colourful too.pansies in the spring/summer and look for mums in the late summer/fall.

- Trim, just how your own hair can look unkempt if it isn't trimmed regularly so can your hedges and shrubs.  but sure to give them a trim so they look clean and tidy plus trimming makes the bushes fuller too.

- Urns or hanging baskets, so even if you cannot afford the time, money or energy to planting a flower bed you can at least head off to a home improvement store, garden store or even a grocery store to purchase some pre-planted baskets that can be hung or placed in urns by the door.  this will add some colour and make the entry feel warm and inviting.  If you have the flower beds, I recommend urns and look for pre-planted baskets with a similar colour palette to what you planted.  if you have pink, purple and yellow flowers planted in the beds - don't get baskets with red and blue flowers!

- Lighting, be sure the light bulbs in your exterior lights are not burnt out.  remember not everyone looking to buy your home will be driving by in broad daylight - many drive bys occur after dinner.  another great way to light up your home is solar garden lights - they are easy to install, they can come with you to your next home and they are Eco-friendly.  line them up along a walkway or place them among your garden to show off the plants and flowers - a lot of buyers love a landscaped home.

- Paint, don't paint the grass green but be sure that your exterior paint job looks tight!  look at the porch, door, stairs etc...if the paint is looking dull, cracked and/ or chipped - it's time to freshen up! maybe even try a different colour - don't get too crazy you still want mass appeal!

- Maintenance, yes I know it's a drag but it is important when selling to make sure you keep the home looking picture perfect - mow the lawn, weed the garden, replace burnt out light bulbs, trim the hedges, water the grass, plants and flowers.  if you have kids, try not to have a front porch or lawn covered in kids toys and strollers.  it will be worth it in the end and homes that show well don't take long to sell, so you won't be maintaining this home forever.

Winter Curb Appeal

Just because you have decided to sell during the chilly winter months does not mean that you don't need to maintain the curb appeal of your home. Curb appeal matter no matter the season!

So what can you do to make your home look it's best during those sub-zero winter days?

The best thing you can do is tidy up! Make sure to clear the paths, driveways and walkways to your home. The front and back porches should also be clear of ice and snow. Be sure to salt those pathways too!

The next thing is to accessorize. Focus on the front door. A beautiful wreath can make a big difference. You can even add some natural potted planters.

Make could use of your exterior lighting. Keep your exterior lights on to help draw attention to your home - you never know who is driving by. If you have some white lights on your exterior plants or home accents - turn them on! But keep the Christmas themed decor to the holidays only and keep it tasteful.

Although not the exterior, your front entry is a first impression be sure to have an entry that is clear from boots, mittens and the like. Keep it clean and clear!

Curb apeal is for the selling season which is year round.

Top 10 low cost, high return outdoor renos

We are in the thick of the busy spring selling season - so why is your home still on the market? Enhancing your curb appeal might be just what you need to sell your home quickly and for the most money! Improving your curb appeal isn't as costly as it may sound, it's all about timely exterior preparations to boost your property's value!

1 -- Keep it clean! was the front, side ans back of the house. the new owners will be looking at all sides of the home. rent or borrow a pressure washer - they do such an incredible job on just about everything.

2 -- If it's broke, fix it! walkways, roof shingles, leaky and rusty exterior faucets you get the idea. a lot of small repairs can add up to a big bill in the eyes of the new owners plus they might wonder what else needs fixing. i know you don't really want to do but neither does the potential new owner.

3 -- Paint it! check your doors (front, side and back) is the paint cracked or peeling or just looking tired and old? it is easy to give a door a new fresh paint job and the impression it will make will be huge!

4 -- Lights....exterior lighting looks great but sure that all of the bulbs are operational. for more curb appeal add some solar lights in the garden, and keep the exterior lights on during dusk it makes a beautiful home look beautiful even at night plus many potential buyers to drive by so be sure to always have the home looking it's best!

5 -- Support staff! check that all railings are safe and secure. Again, this lets home buyers know the home i cared for and no one will get hurt during a showing or open house. That wouldn't be a good first impression!

6 -- Primp the driveway too! An old tired looking asphalt driveway can look pretty drab. On a nice sunny day, 'paint' the drive way with a top sealer, the instructions are easy to follow just read the label and wow what a statement!

7 -- Get in the Gutters! I know gross but necessary. Dirty gutters can really make any home look dirty. Once they are clean take a look to see if the paint job needs any work.

8 -- Raise the roof! Replace the shingles if they need it. Most buyers do not want to replace a roof due to the cost so they may pass on your home if the roof is looking rough. Or, they will really low ball the offer if thy think the roof needs replacing.

9 -- Wired! Tidy up any loose wires it looks better and it is safer. Some staples or nails can help keep them in place.

10 -- Landscaping! If you don't want to plant new ones - a t least maintain what you've got! Keep the shrubs and grass neatly trimmed, flower beds weeded and neat. Keep the garden gnomes in the garage, they can come with you to the new place. They have a tendency to make gardens look cluttered.

These suggestions will help you maintain the value of your home and help you sell it faster. In a competitive market, your home's appearance could be what sets you apart from the rest.

Just one look, that's all it took....

I do believe in love at first sight and I believe it can happen more than once in a lifetime. I have experienced love at first sight when I met (my now) husband and when I saw both of my children for this very first time, I have also seen it in real estate. The moment you see your first home for the very first time it is just perfect....well it should be.

When it comes to selling your home you always make sure that the interior is pristine. Every detail is just right and the home looks just beautiful but wait...what about your exterior? Yes, curb appeal, it matters, and in a big way. Over 80 percent of buyers will view your home on the Internet first and then decide where to book viewings so be sure to spend as much time prepping the outside as you do on the inside. Since buyers make up their mind about a home within the first 30 seconds, you don't have any time to waste.

The season you are selling your home can be a factor( selling season can be any season of the year) but there are many ways to make certain that the exterior of your home is picture perfect. Think of the many guidelines that you followed to ensure your interior is beautiful, they apply to the exterior too.

De-clutter: get rid of the garbage cans, the strollers, the sporting equipment, kids toys etc...from the front lawn and porch area

Clean: sweep, mow, rake, shovel depending on what the exterior elements call for but be sure to clean and clear the entry way to your home. And in the winter months, be sure to sand or salt the walk way (safety first plus, you don't want buyers to remember falling on the icy path leading to your home).

Details: pay attention to the small things. Is the front door paint faded or chipping? Do the stairs or walls or windows need a good power washing? Is your exterior light working? Is your doorbell working? Do your shrubs need a trimming? Are your flower pots looking alive and well? Paying attention to those details sends a positive message to buyers and gets them excited to see the inside of your home.

Decor: add some colour and life to the exterior with a decorative wreath, add some colourful outdoor pillows to your bench or chair, add some plants and/or flowers to exterior pots. This can be done in the cooler fall and winter months too.

First impressions are lasting impressions. Showcase your home and you will bring in the best buyers with the best offers, all of the hard work is worth it. Go ahead, be the envy of the neighbourhood....

Updating your front door

Whether you are selling your home or just want to update its tired look, that first impression your home gives from the street or sidewalk-its curb appeal-is key to how your house is perceived. At the very center of curb appeal is your front door and the area around it. It’s where you welcome the world to your home, and it sets the tone for your entire house. The Bennett Real Estate Pros know all about making that perfect first impression for potential buyers. Read here for a variety of ways to add interest and 'personality' to the front door of your home.

Renewing the Finish
Front doors take a lot of abuse both from use and weather-in particular, the harmful ultraviolet rays in sunshine. A wood front door will need a new paint job every five years or so to look its best. If it’s stained and varnished, it will need attention more frequently. Like any paint job, a front door will only look great if you put in the prep time and use top quality paint: Thoroughly sand down the existing finish, remove or be sure to cover the grip set so it's finish is not the same as the door's, brush on a primer, and follow with two thin top coats, while sanding in between each application. The same general routine applies to varnish, although it is even more important to be careful of brush marks and to paint in temperate weather with the door in complete shade. Use a good quality brush - you don't want your door to become hairy! Consider color carefully-your front door is a great place to express a little personality with a strong primary color, as long as it still works with shutters, trim, siding colors and other aspects of your house.

Grip set Upgrade
This is the most expensive piece of hardware on or around your door because of its role in security, but these days it also offers a wide range of handsome aesthetic choices. The term grip set refers to a door handle and lock, which can be combined in a number of ways: a handle with a keyed lock, a door handle and lock with a separate deadbolt, and a handle and deadbolt that are connected visually and mechanically. Door handle styles include a “D” handle, a round handle that you grasp, and a lever handle. It’s important to pick a lock that offers the degree of security you need. Once that is satisfied, take some time to pick the look that will make the best statement on your front door. You’ll see lots of new finishes-satin nickel, hand-rubbed pewter, and hand-rubbed bronze-as well as bright brass. Prices range from less than $50 to $300 and more depending on the security rating of the lock, the quality of the materials, the design, and the finish. Typically, you can replace a new lock in the edge and face holes already drilled in the door. If you want to select a modern look make sure it works with the age and style of your home - otherwise, the front entry can look strange and disjointed.

Add House Numbers
This is another way to put some style and serve a practical purpose. Thin brass or nickel house numbers can run under $5 a piece; thicker examples can double or more in price. These are typically screwed to the wall with small matching that are included, but numbers “plaques” are also available that frame the numbers in a matching metal.

Mail Box or Slot
Even if the mail is only delivered to your mailbox out on the curb these days, a flush-mounted mail box or a mail slot have a traditional appeal and can be a convenient way for neighbors to leave things for you when you’re not home. Mailboxes, which are attached directly to the wall or siding, range in price from a few dollars for a thin sheet metal version to several hundred for a detailed architectural casting. Style and quality differences are obvious. Mail slots are available at architectural salvage yards in solid brass, and in at the home center in a brass- or nickel-plated version for under $20. Mail slots do require you to cut a hold in the door or wall, and they don’t promote good energy efficiency. In Ottawa, one of the best shops for a variety of mailboxes is Preston Hardware located on Preston Street in Little Italy.

Add some life
Place decorative plant pots or urns on the steps leading to your door or on either side of the door and fill them with colorful seasonal flowering plants or some fake topiary plants. Install window boxes to the windows near your front door and keep them filled with seasonal plants. Tie a simple grapevine wreath on your door. Change the theme by inserting various decorative items, such as flowers, flags, ribbons, pine cones, or pumpkins. You'll have a fresh look each season. Accessorize with plants and greenery whenever possible. Be sure to keep them watered!


Remember the front door is what your guests and potential buyers see first so make sure it is as welcoming and warm as the rest of your house. When opportunity knocks, answer the door - it might be an offer to purchase your home!