| Do your flowerbeds and pots look like weed | | | | home is well cared for. To give your windows |
| beds? Does the paint on your house look | | | | extra shine, polish them with a clean |
| faded? Are your shrubs hiding your front | | | | blackboard eraser or dry piece of newspaper. |
| door? If so, it may be time to boost your | | | | |
| home's curb appeal. Try these ten tips to | | | | 6. Make your home inviting by adding a new |
| help you improve your home. | | | | welcome mat, hang a wreath on your door, pot |
| | | | plants in decorative containers, display |
| 1. General yard maintenance is the number | | | | ornamental lamps, or other accessories. |
| one and least expensive way to improve your | | | | |
| curb appeal. During the peak season, mow and | | | | 7. Does your mailbox look like its seen |
| edge about once every week or two. Add a new | | | | better days? Now is a great time to invest |
| layer of mulch over your flowerbeds to help | | | | in a new one. Many mailboxes can be |
| keep the weeds away. | | | | purchased for as little as $39.00 at your |
| | | | local home improvement store or online at |
| 2. Add a fresh coat of paint to your home. | | | | |
| You can either tackle this job yourself by | | | | 8. Update your home's existing shutters by |
| purchasing a paint sprayer or hire a | | | | replacing them or giving them a fresh coat of |
| professional to do the job for you. | | | | paint in a brand new color. |
| | | | |
| 3. Make your entrance warm and inviting by | | | | 9. Add outdoor lighting along your driveway, |
| trimming back trees and/or bushes that may be | | | | sidewalks, and near your landscaping to |
| blocking the view. To update your entrance | | | | enhance your home's appearance. |
| you can give your door a fresh coat of paint, | | | | |
| add new hardware, and even change your house | | | | 10. Hardscapes like porches and arbors add |
| numbers. | | | | appeal and value to your home. Be sure these |
| | | | items are in good repair. To add curb |
| 4. Add shrubs and flowerbeds that will add | | | | appeal, you can stain or paint porches and |
| color and interest to your front yard. There | | | | arbors, add a new pavestone or brick path, |
| are many resources online that can help you | | | | and fix any cracks in your driveway. |
| with planning your landscaping. The | | | | |
| following website (Better Homes & Gardens) is | | | | Adding curb appeal to your home does not mean |
| a great place to start: | | | | spending a lot of money. General |
| | | | maintenance, a few accessories, plants, |
| 5. Clean those windows! Sparkling windows | | | | outdoor lamps, and paint can all be added to |
| provide instant curb appeal and shows your | | | | your home at a minimal cost. |