IN West County Summer 2014 | Page 12

Real Estate IN ERIE There is good news for individuals and families in the market for a new home. The housing market was on the upswing in 2013, and many experts predict that the trend will continue in 2014, as more jobs are created and there remains a boost in economic growth. In 2013, for instance, there were significant increases in home building and remodeling. In fact, the Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development report that housing starts increased more than 18 percent from 2012 to 2013, and rental unit construction increased nearly 25 percent. The market is certainly looking more optimistic than in recent years, making it an optimal time for real estate investments. 10 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | West County All About Appearances The old adage that you only get one chance to make a first impression certainly rings true for individuals hoping to sell their home. In fact, in the housing market, this first impression often is referred to as curb appeal, or how your house may appear to someone seeing it for the first time. Proper maintenance and upkeep on things like paint, landscaping, light fixtures and flooring can be noticed from the minute a person pulls into the driveway and will go a long way in your efforts to sell your home. There are a number of ways to enhance a home’s overall curb appeal, including the home’s exterior décor, regular lawn maintenance, fresh paint, fresh stain on the deck, new or updated cabinet hardware, clean floors, and an overall cleaning. When making improvements or enhancements to your home’s curb appeal, it often is a good idea to think about what you would want to see in a house as a potential buyer.