INDUSTRY INSIGHT
REAL ESTATE
SPONSORED CONTENT
The Deal With
Curb Appeal?
Maximize your home’s exterior
with minimal investment!
Y
ou’ve probably heard the phrase, “It’s what’s on the inside
that counts” before. However, when it comes to real estate,
it is often what is on the outside that is crucial toward
drawing prospective buyers in. And, as we all know, first impressions
can be hard to get over. So, yes, when it comes to the real estate
market, what’s on the outside counts…in a big way.
If you’re planning to sell your home or if you just pride yourself on
having the most manicured house on the block, what can you do to
maximize your outdoor assets? Here are a few tips for making the
most of your curb appeal without taking the most from your bank
account:
1. Mow and trim, repeat — Particularly in summer, it is important
to keep your lawn well-manicured. Mowing and trimming frequently
is also an inexpensive way to enhance your home’s natural curb
appeal.
2. Draw them to your driveway — You may be surprised what a
clean and polished driveway can do for your home’s look. Start by
repairing any cracks and complete the pavement makeover with fresh
stain to make it shine.
3. Wash shutters and siding — Cleanliness can go a long way.
During this summer season of selling, wash down your entire home’s
exterior to make sure you’re putting your freshest face forward.
4. Make the front door “pop” — A fresh coat of brightly colored
paint on the front door may be all your home needs to shine this
summer. Picking a bold color for your front door can add some instant
flair to your home’s exterior and it’s an inexpensive way to give your
home serious personality.
5. Address your address — At the very least, make sure your house
numbers are clean and visible. But, consider giving them their own
style by customizing them to match your home’s outdoor décor.
6. Recognize seasonal changes — Your home’s exterior is a
great place to celebrate the seasons. Keeping your front door décor
seasonal shows that you routinely put thought into your home’s curb
appeal. Seasonal wreaths are always great options for decorating and
fresh flowers and ferns are a nice touch, too.
7. Light up your work — A new light fixture will not only show off
your hard work, but it will also add to your home’s curb appeal. When
it comes to lighting, a new front door light fixture is a great start, but
you can also add inexpensive accent lighting to your landscaping that
will draw visitors’ eyes up to your home.
8. Make over the mailbox — So, you’ve focused on what’s out
front, but don’t forget the piece of curb appeal that actually can be
seen up-close from the curb: your mailbox! It’s another great place to
show off style and personality; in fact, your mailbox can complement
your home’s exterior. Consider matching that pop of color on your
front door or the siding on your house. Start giving your mailbox a
facelift simply by cleaning and polishing it.
9. Freshen your flowers — You don’t have to invest too much
time or money into making your landscaping look presentable. Start
by pulling weeds and pruning your current plants. Then add fresh
flowers and mulch as needed.
It may be what’s on the inside of a home that counts, but if curb
appeal isn’t up to par this summer, prospective home buyers may
never get past what’s outside! Luckily, for anyone planning to sell a
home or just enhance their home’s outdoor look, maximizing curb
appeal can be done with minimal spending!
This Industry Insight was written by Jane Siddons Herrmann.
About Me
JANE SIDDONS HERRMANN
Full-time, well-respected, multi-million-dollar producer with expertise in Fox Chapel/
Pittsburgh, utilizing exceptional marketing systems, cutting-edge technology,
industry networking, skilled negotiating and quality customer service. Committed to
consumers achieving their buying and selling goals! Passion for work also relates to
living and growing up in Fox Chapel, raising kids in the area and community pride.
www.janeherrmann.com
My Certifications, Awards & Memberships
• Member of the TOP 5 in Real Estate, representing the Fox Chapel area (national real
estate recognition) • 2014 Pittsburgh Business Times Realtor Award • 2013 Pittsburgh
Magazine Realtor Award • E-Certified • Accredited Buyer & Seller Representative • Fine
Homes Specialist • New Construction Specialist • Certified Residential Specialist • Staging
Expertise • Company’s Rookie of the Year, 2000 • Chairman’s Circle • Quality Service
Certification • 5 Star Zillow Premier Agent
Fox Chapel Area | Summer 2016 | icmags.com 45