by:
At Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. we want you to get the most out of your home. Whether you’re preparing to sell, or just want a nice view when you come home from work each day, your home’s curb appeal can have a huge impact. These simple upgrades can give your front yard the finishing touches it needs.
Greenery and Scenery
Stay on top of your landscaping. Trimmed trees and a tidy, green lawn make a house feel like a home. Add color with some flowers. A well maintained flowerbed near the front porch or around the base of a tree always looks nice. You could also install planter boxes under windows or place a few potted plants on the porch or patio.
Along with keeping your landscaping manicured, remember to remove any clutter from your yard. This includes any trash that may have blown into your yard, but it could also include any abandoned toys or half-finished projects you might get back to someday. Keep those out of sight in your garage or basement.
Lighten Up
Replace your standard old light fixtures with newer upgraded models to add a splash of class.
You can also change out your white light bulbs for bulbs with a yellow or orange tint to give your home’s exterior a warm, inviting feel.
Open Up to a New Color
Your upgraded curb appeal will lead people to your front door, so make sure it looks good when they get there. You can do it with a simple coat of paint.
Choose a color that will provide contrast. If your house is a dark color, paint your door a light color. If your house has a lighter exterior, go with a richer color on the door. It will look even better if the color you choose also matches another feature of your home’s exterior, like the trim, shutters or garage door.
Since you’ll need to take your door handles off to paint anyway, you might as well upgrade your door hardware while you’re at it. New door handles and locks will give your fresh-looking door the finishing touch. Push it over the top by adding a stylish knocker.
Hide the Hideous
Address any eyesores, like a bulky utility box or window-mounted air conditioner. Without blocking them completely, try to shield them from the street view with wisely placed plants or outdoor furniture. In some cases you can camouflage a dominant feature with a clever paint job. Just keep it subtle or it will draw more attention instead of less.
Scrub or Power Wash
Wash your exterior surfaces with soap and water or a pressure washer.
Thoroughly clean everything you can:
- Siding
- Side walks
- Doors
- Windows
- Shutters
- Eaves
- Patio
- Mailbox
Now is literally the time to shine, so wipe down the patio furniture and polish the brass fixtures.
Do More with the Garage Door
For many homes the garage door is the largest surface area people see as they approach. It can be your biggest chance to make an impression.
Clean your garage door. Repair dents or other damage if possible. If your garage door is faded or dingy, paint it to look shiny and new. Keep garage door colors light. Dark colors can feel overpowering on that much surface area.
If you want to splurge, you could add windows or a pergola to your garage door, but those projects are for professionals.
Front Porch Final Touches
Finish off by addressing small details that make a big difference. Replace your house numbers so people can easily find your place. Replace or upgrade your mailbox. Lastly, add a bit of life by hanging a birdhouse or birdfeeder near the porch, but away from walkways.
When you’re ready to finance your home upgrades or your next home entirely, remember PRMI.
More Reading
Protect Your Home: Deep Cleaning and Disinfection Tips
Use these sanitation tips to keep your home hygienic.
Tips For Preventing Water Damage In Your Home
Prevent mold before it takes hold. Keep your home dry with these water damage prevention tips.
Tips for Selling Your Home in Winter
Use these tips to make your home hot on the winter market.
Clever Kitchen Organization Tips
Do big things in your small kitchen with help from these organizing ideas.