First, take a good look at your lawn and landscape.

 Get a friend to help you. Write notes about what you see as you go. Look at it from eyes of a buyer, start at the street, walk up your driveway, onto the sideway and all the way to the porch. Then repeat for the rest of the yard.

If you are a lawn ornament junkie, get rid of all but those that are classic in nature, for example- stone birdbath, simple birdhouse, terracotta planters. Clean up any debris or excess clutter you find. If your lawn is in terrible shape, you can overseed the bad areas with new grass seed. Figure out what is causing the damage though,because if someone is using your yard as a shortcut, all the grass seed in the world will not help. If it was caused by an accumulation of leaves, debris on lawn,or lack of watering, overseeding is practical, relatively inexpensive and easy . Roughen the soil by raking, then overseed at the desired rate. Fall is the perfect time to do this. If you have very extensive damage,it may be worthwhile to consider replacing your yard with sod. This can be expensive but brings instant improvement. No matter what your choice is, please don’t forget to water your new lawn. Healthy grass is one thing that can really help with the curb appeal of your home. For a neat and manicured landscape, please make sure that you edge all areas that are adjacent to all hard areas,such as sidewalks,driveways,and the street. Make sure you are not causing new damage by cutting your grass too short, 2-21/2 inches for most grasses are perfect. On areas that are difficult to mow, weedeat carefully so that it matches the surrounding areas Last of all, please apply a winterizer fertilizer(for fall) to feed the roots of the grass (whatever you do,please do not apply a weed and feed product as it will kill your new baby grass. If you are doing this process in the spring, apply your weed and feed in early spring,wait 6- 8 weeks before you put down any grass seed).

Another option for a winter greenup is to overseed with winter Rye this fall. This gives you a lush green lawn all winter.A gorgeous lawn framed by the pansies. Yes!!!  

Assess your border. 

Are your shrubs in need of a trim? Do you have dead branches on your trees? Are weeds or grass growing growing wild in your border? Place a layer of hardwood mulch around your trees and flowerbeds, remove all weeds, and prune or trim dead growth or excess foliage. If a tree blocks the front of your home, you may want to consider removing it or have it professionally trimmed. You may want to plant a fragrant plant near the walkway or porch. Consider your walkway when you assess your front yard. If it is in need of new paving, consider the many alternative materials to choose from such as mulch, river rocks,bricks, mosaic designs, concrete steps and even flagstones. If you decide to create a new walkway,please make sure it is level to avoid creating a tripping hazard or ponding of water. Be sure your walkway is kept clear of creeping border plants.  

Now, does your landscape pop from the street or is it just so-so?

Color is important consideration especially if your home‘s exterior is very neutral. Try to build a theme with color.You may choose something a bit more dramatic like red, green or blue to paint your shutters. To make the color pop from the road, choose single color blooms like red to match your shutters or another bright color paired with a complementary or contrasting color. Alternately, a dark home needs bright plants in the silver,white, red and yellow to really provide dramatic appeal. Planters and hanging baskets add color and flair. Annuals are a great way to maximize your curb appeal at a great cost. Mums and pansies are great for the fall. Your home is more welcoming with healthy displays of green foliage and bright blooms

 Does your home look worn and tired?

How is the paint on your shutters, doors and trim? Are they peeling or has the color faded? Do they need scraping and/or a fresh coat of paint? Add to the visual interest of your home with just a few touches here and there.

The painting of other features will show that you care about your home’s appearance. Chipped porch railings, picket fences, porch columns, window ledges, house trim, porch furniture will require a fresh coat of paint. If the lighting fixture on your porch is old,dirty and decrepit, a new lighting fixture will be needed. This adds a beautiful functional way to increase curb appeal. There are a plethora of wonderful choices on the market today. Types may include wall sconces, chandelier or stand alone pole types. Light fixtures can be Victorian wrought iron,elegant brass, rustic,etc. Choose something that compliments your home! Even the smallest touches that you might consider - new brass house numbers, for instance - can improve the appearance of your home. Taken all together the several small repairs or added decorative touches will make a big difference to your home’s curb appeal. If you are thinking selling your home, consider spending a couple of days or a couple of weekends to improve your home’s landscape and the exterior of the home creating greater curb appeal.

Increase The Possibility Of A Quick Sale And A Great Price!

If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area, would like more information about  the Middle Tn Area or would like to signup to see the latest hot  listings before other buyers do: click here to go to my website http://www.greatnashvilleareahomesforsale.com/popup_listings.asp  , then give me a call at:

Barbara Maislin
Maislin Realty Group of Reliant Realty
Cell: 615-586-9652 Office:615-859-7150
www.GreatNashvilleAreaHomesForSale.com
BarbaraMaislin@realtracs.com
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