You only get one chance to make a first impression. It’s a tried and true saying for a reason and applies not only to yourself but your home as well. It is easy to see the appeal in a well cared for lawn and garden, a clean front walk and welcoming porch. Not only are these details visually appealing but they also tell you the home itself is cared for as well. Whether you are contemplating selling your home or just want to make a better first impression to your guests, friends and neighbors; putting in a little effort on the outside will make a big difference! I have put together some tips, ideas and examples below to get you started.
The Power of the Porch
Nothing says “Welcome Home” like a pretty front porch complete with a rocking chair or two and maybe some potted flowers. While not every home has a front porch, most homes have some version of a front step and you can treat that, no matter the size, like a front porch. Show it some love by keeping it clean, adding a fresh doormat and a plant or two.
The home above at 147 Foddering Farm Road in Narragansett (asking $599,000) is a great example of a lovely, clean porch and also a fantastic demonstration of the impact of your house numbers. All homes should have their house numbers prominently displayed and easily visible from the street, not only for aesthetic reasons but safety as well. Think about updating your house numbers if they are small, outdated or the finish is wearing off.
The home above at 41 Moorland Ave in Cranston (asking $384,000) is another beautiful and welcoming porch with a striking front door and cozy seating area.
Don’t forget to think about the lighting around your front door. You can add a lot of character and charm by updating your light fixtures to better align with your personal style or the period of your home.
Front Walk
Try to create a pathway from the street directly to your front door to make it easy for those visiting your home. You may already have a walkway that you can clean up or if not you can create one with stones or pavers. Adding landscaping around your path makes it that much more inviting.
This home at 11 Oriole Street in East Providence (asking $429,00) has a charming, rustic front walkway.
This South Kingstown home at 2625 B Commodore Perry Hwy (asking $1,199,000) makes a dramatic impression with a stone walkway and slate porch. Having a chair or two or a bench is always a nice touch by the front door for anyone who may want to sit a spell.
The Grass is Always Greener
Of course one of the biggest factors in the curb appeal of your home is the lawn and landscaping. Its that time of year when everything is greening up, hopefully that includes your grass! Now is also the time of year to clean out old leaves from your beds and add in a new layer of mulch. Keeping your lawn maintained and your shrubs trimmed will help your home look fresh. You can never go wrong adding in perennial or annual flowering plants to your front beds as well. Below are some examples of homes with beautifully landscaped grounds.
It really is the perfect time of year to show the outside of your home and yard some love, you’ll love the results and may even enjoy the process too!
Contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505