Let’s be honest. Is your curb appeal turning into curb-appall? In these tough economic times, it can be difficult to keep the exterior of your home looking well-kept and inviting. Since curb appeal is a key element to selling a home, here are a few tips on how to quickly give your home a curb-appeal face lift.
Paint-
I cannot stress enough the value of a fresh coat of paint. Just because the house has been painted barn-red since 1984, that doesn’t mean it has to (or should) stay that way! A key element to choosing the right paint color is the style of your home. Is it Victorian? Colonial? Contemporary? Bungalow? Doing some research on this can give you inspiration for the perfect color choice!
For a very detailed gallery of house styles, check out: http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/0,,1228909,00.html
Entrance-
Put some thought and personality into your entrance. How do you approach your door from the driveway or sidewalk? Consider using materials that fit with your houses character to make a walkway- stepping stones, brick, pebbles, crushed seashells, wood slats…etc. Solar-powered lamps are a nice way to line your walkway and draw attention to your house at night while other houses on the market in your area will get lost in the dark. Remember, perspective buyers drive by day and night.
A front door and its hardware can bring lots of character to a home if chosen carefully. Choose an eye-catching color for your door that still works with your overall color scheme. A doorknocker, light fixture and updated doorknob and hinges can spruce up an entrance as well.
Have a front porch? Clear the clutter! Nobody wants to see the kid’s soccer cleats, swim toys, bikes…etc. collecting here. This is the perfect opportunity for a seating area such as rocking chairs or a porch swing. Buyers want to see how they can use the space they’re purchasing- make it believable.
Landscaping-
Landscaping can do everything from simply bring color to your yard to create valuable extra living space. Designate sections of your yard for different uses in order to maximize the amount you’ll actually use it.
Choosing the right grasses, plants and trees for your yard can be a daunting task, but alas research is the key yet again. Choosing native plants is always the best way to go. Not only are you guaranteed that the plants will be able to survive, but it will also be easier to maintain your yard with little to no watering!
Some beautiful options:
Wild Indigo, Columbine, Lily of the Valley, Starflower, Canada Lily, Black-eyed Susan, Violets, Sweet Grass and Tickle Grass.
For more ideas, check out the Massachusetts Plant and Resource List: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rdsduse/ma.htm
Don’t limit your landscaping just to plants. Try creating a patio or living area in your favorite part of the yard using recycled bricks or stones such as slate from a demolished building. Recycled products can be found at many deconstruction/recycling companies that salvage building products before they are destroyed during demolition. This will also add to your good karma because post-consumer recycling is as green as it gets!
So now you know, even though your pockets may not be as deep these days, curb appeal is in your reach. Take note of simple things that attract you to other homes and implement it in yours…it’s ok to cheat sometimes! But don’t be afraid to be creative-that’s the fun part. Enjoy!
Natalie Moore can be contacted via email at mooren@wit.edu
I spent a lot of time this week working on a model unit in the South End in Boston. Model units are usually my favorite projects. I learn a bit about the type of people the builders are expecting to be their buyers. I then research the styles, colors, etc that appeal to that group and get to work. 
