It’s nearly springtime. If your yard is like mine the grass is brown with green splashes but still lined with snow. The shrubs are looking a bit out of shape and with the stark bare branches don’t have a hint of color. When you house is on the market these things can turn potential buyers away. Now is the time to get the outside of your home in shape.

The first thing to do is take a good look at your driveway and sidewalks. If there are cracks or uneven patches it is time to get them repaired. You may be able to do the work yourself or it may be worth it to hire a professional. If your cement is stained and discolored only then it may be a good idea to invest in a can of concrete stain. Stain can make tired concrete look new and inviting. It is best to choose a color that will complement the color of your home.

Speaking of color, you can add a bit of pizzazz to your home by painting the front door. If you have a white house you can paint the door any primary color and it will look great. The best thing about paint is that if you don’t like the color you can always change it.

I know it’s still a bit cool but you can put out potted plants that will give your house another bright pop of color. Granted you may have to take them into the garage during the night if the temps are below freezing. Even some annuals are hardy enough for planting if you cover them when it’s cold at night. A huge tip for making your yard look well tended is to add . I’ve included a great video below from DYI which will tell you all about mulch. It’s worth watching.

The last thing you can do is trim or shape shrubs and trees. Planting should add a frame or border to your home. It looks unsightly when shrubs grow too large or tree branches brush the house. You can tackle some of these tasks yourself or hire a professional to spruce things up. Improving curb appeal has shown to increase not only your property's value, but also the property values of your entire neighborhood.

If your home has been on the market a while or even if you are getting ready to list your home take my advice and take a good long look at your home from the curb. It’s time to jump into spring. If I can assist you in selling your home please give me a call at 402-697-4251 or email me at Marie.Otis@cbshome.com.