ForeclosuresMass - ForeclosuresMass Monthly - Success Strategies - Seven Tips for Improving Your Property's Curbside Appeal (April 2008)

First impressions are lasting impressions - and the first impression anyone has of a property is the front yard. Debris, weeds, and a general air of neglect will quickly push buyers to move on. In this market, you can ill-afford to lose anyone interested in your property to the competitor in the next neighborhood.

Enhancing the curbside appeal of a property doesn't mean spending tens of thousands of dollars on landscaping or other renovations. Rather, all it takes is a modest budget, some muscle, and a weekend or two of work for spectacular results. What follows are my seven tips for improving the curbside appeal of your property.

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Like the clutter in our homes, we don't see the "clutter" in our yards, including broken fixtures, dead plants, weeds, and the like. To get a fresh perspective, call in a landscaping pro for an objective opinion - he or she can also offer solutions that won't break your budget. A professional will notice things you no longer see, such as shrubbery that needs pruning, plus he or she will see the "big picture." Maybe your lawn looks terrific, for example, but the big maple tree in back is growing over the roof and could use a trimming.

Make sure the lawn is perfectly mowed (grass that's 6" high immediately says "neglected property") and that the flower beds have been weeded. Remove dead leaves and other debris and prune existing shrubbery and perennials. Don't forget the patio, walkway and driveway, too. Remove weeds from pavers and sweep away dirt (this also keeps it from being tracked into the house). If your budget allows, get the trees trimmed - or at least have any dead or unsafe trees or branches removed. If you have firewood, ensure it's neatly stacked.

Use fresh, blooming flowers to add charm and an "I'm cared for" air to the property. Annuals look great in planting beds and in pots, which you can strategically place in key locations, such as front and back walkways. Invest in colorful ceramic pots and mix and match pots of various sizes and colors for spectacular effect. Water and feed regularly so that plants thrive throughout the season.

Appeal to buyers' senses by putting down a fresh layer of mulch in the planting beds and other areas of the yard. Fresh mulch smells and looks good -- and it's another way to positively reinforce that your property is well-cared for.

One thing people often forget is to check for burned light bulbs in lighting fixtures - including those in the ground, lamp posts and overhead porch or garage lights. If you have nice brass and glass fixtures, clean them until they sparkle. In addition, make sure the sprinkler system is working and program it so that it goes on in the early morning versus mid-day or late afternoon when people tend to view properties. Also ensure that steps, porches, the deck and even doors are in good repair. If you have a fence, check to see that gates open and close smoothly.

People often don't know that stone walls are not only valuable, they're a key selling feature - especially if the stones have "aged" or pre-date the 1900s. However, property owners often neglect stone walls: over time stones fall off (or get stolen!) and weeds or ivy grow around the wall, turning a strong selling feature into an eyesore. Rehabbing a seriously neglected stone wall can take some real work. If necessary, get someone with a strong back to help replace stones and remove stubborn weeds. You might also want to check with your town since some require a permit before reconstructing a stone wall.

Finally, don't forget to mow, weed, and tidy up the area that borders your property and the road. This area is usually neglected and tends to fill up with weeds and rubbish. You don't need to invest in plantings in this area, but do ensure that it's free of debris, litter, and cigarette butts thrown out by people in passing cars. You want this area to look shipshape and again show that your property is well-cared for.

Enhancing curbside appeal is a combination of doing little things that add up to a great first impression. Quick and simple tasks, such as removing dead leaves and weeds, adding plantings and mulch, and fixing anything broken, will give your property an instant leg-up with buyers in this tough shoppers market.

Tony Bernstein is the president of Sudbury, MA based SLDA Landscape Design Associates, a firm specializing in residential landscape design. You can reach Tony by phone at 978-440-8488 or via his website at www.slda.biz.