Community News

Make your property look good from the outside in by focusing on these five key exterior areas. Make sure to maximize the livable parts of your outdoor space.

Landscaping

Essentials

• Prune bushes, trees and shrubs, in spring and summer.
• Mow and edge the lawn. Seed, if needed.
• Weed and maintain flower beds, lawns and planters.

Distinctive Touch

• Create a focal point in the yard. Add a bench to areas that curve inward. Add a tree, water feature or decorative brick to flower beds.
• Lay fresh mulch in flower and tree beds.
• Add lighting on walkways, shine lights on trees, keep lights in working condition and remove cobwebs, dirt, etc.

House Exterior

Essentials

• Clear roof and gutters of all debris.
• Inspect the paint or siding. Touch up paint where needed and consider power washing.
• Wash all windows and remove screens.

Distinctive Touch

• Make sure the house number is visible.
• Check the mailbox for chips and dents. Replace, if needed.
• Paint front door for a fresh accent.

Front Porch

Essentials

• Keep your entryway and porch swept and clean. Put away all toys, bikes, scooters, etc.
• Polish all exterior metal. Replace door hardware, if necessary.
• Make sure doorbell and exterior lights are working properly.

Distinctive Touch

• Create an inviting focal point in your entryway by adding a chair or bench.
• Use large planters filled with flowers or evergreens to welcome visitors.
• Get a new welcome mat that matches the style of the house.

Rear Deck / Outdoor Spaces

Essentials

• Clean or power wash concrete steps, patios, siding and decks.
• Clean and repaint wood and wicker furniture. Clean or replace cushions.
• Clean and rinse umbrellas. Eliminate mildew.

Distinctive Touch

• Create a separate and inviting outdoor dining and entertainment space.
• Create a warm environment with an outdoor sofa and accent cushions, arranged similar to indoor living rooms.
• Add sealer to decks to make them look almost new.
• Keep open electronically controlled glass doors or screens that fold, slide or drop down to show how indoor and outdoor spaces flow together.

Driveway

Essentials

• Fix pavement/driveway cracks.
• Remove visible oil stains.
• Seal driveway for a fresh look.

Distinctive Touch

• Keep cars off the driveway and away from the front of the house.
• Keep garage doors down during Open Houses, or when the house is shown.
• Power wash garage doors and clean windows.

Creating Curb Appeal: Prepping Your Outside Space