| "You only have one chance to make a first | | | | long to deadhead flowers, cut the grass, trim hedges |
| impression," so the adage goes. It couldn't be more | | | | or rake leaves, and it will pay off. As well, you can |
| true when you consider the street appeal of your | | | | boost your home's street appeal quotient easily and |
| house. And with more sellers competing for fewer | | | | inexpensively with containers of flowers or grasses |
| buyers now is the time to make your house stand | | | | on either side of the front entrance. |
| out from the rest. | | | | If exterior repainting is on the agenda - and you may |
| In a good way, that is. The messiest house, the | | | | decide it's a worthwhile investment - a colour |
| worst kept garden or the peeling paint won't win you | | | | consultant [ can provide valuable input. Colour |
| the good neighbour award nor will it impress buyers. | | | | consultants are generally associated with developing |
| If your house is for sale you must consider the | | | | interior colour schemes; in fact, they are also trained |
| importance of street appeal. | | | | to advise on your home's exterior and can be a |
| Here's where to start: | | | | valuable resource in helping boost your home's street |
| Right now, walk across the street and look at your | | | | appeal. The front door, for example, can be painted |
| house. (If you don't think you can be objective, ask | | | | any number of colours depending on the look you |
| a friend to honestly appraise your home's street | | | | want to achieve. A colour consultant can select a |
| appeal.) Compare it to your neighbours' homes. If you | | | | colour of paint that fits with your siding, brick, roof |
| were walking by would it capture your attention? | | | | tiles, porch and pathway. Better still, he or she can |
| Does it feel warm and hospitable? Stand where a | | | | develop a total palette for your home's exterior to |
| visitor is likely to park. Can the house be accessed | | | | make it stand out from the crowd. |
| easily from here or are would-be visitors fighting | | | | Don't forget lighting. Attractive electric lamps on |
| through thickets to get to your entrance door? | | | | either side of the front entrance make a pleasing |
| Take photos and not just in daylight. Night photos will | | | | statement when seen from the street and also |
| help you figure out whether your lighting is just right | | | | enhance security. Other lighting options may include |
| or you're leaving visitors in the dark. | | | | pathway lights, up lights focussed on certain plantings |
| In your assessment, you're looking for a house that | | | | and motion sensors on the garage or carport. |
| is well cared for: No peeling paint, no rusty | | | | Accessories, too, can make a difference. New house |
| downspouts, no kids' toys all over the yard. The | | | | numbers, letterbox, door handles and knocker will add |
| front fence can be a perfect frame for your house | | | | that finishing touch. |
| so make sure it's clean, stable and in good repair. You | | | | Now, cross the street and look at your house again. |
| may also have to find a new place to put your trash | | | | Imagine how it will look with the suggested changes. |
| bins and consider removing some of the shrubs and | | | | Does it compare favourably to your neighbours' |
| hedges that block the view of the house. | | | | homes? Will visitors (and buyers) feel more |
| Actually, landscaping is very important. It doesn't | | | | welcome? If so, it's time to get out the hedge |
| have to be fancy or expensive, just tidy and in | | | | cutters, lawn mower and hammer and nails and make |
| keeping with the style of your house. It doesn't take | | | | that dream a reality. |