SUMMER LANDSCAPE SPRUCE UP

Summer in Maine may be Short

but we sure enjoy the time we have

to spend outdoors in the sun. 

 

Summer is a great time to spruce up your landscape

to make your yard more enjoyable or

to add value if you are planning on selling your home. 

 

Photo from HGTVRemodels

 

Here are a few tips to help you spruce up your lawn this summer

1.  Make your small yard look more spacious by planting flower beds in each corner.  
2. Give your shrubs a boost by covering exposed roots and fertilizing.  Over time, topsoil tends to wash away from roots which may cause the shrubs to become thin. 
3. Mulch but not too much.  Just a few inches of mulch is all you need.  Mounds of mulch may attract pests.
4. Create privacy using shrubs or trellises covered with vines.  Climbing vines are also a great way to dress up a fence.
5. Coordinate colors.  Using 3 colors that complement your homes exterior color scheme will tie the space together and improve curb appeal.
6. Mix it up.  Choose plants that have a variety of shapes & textures.  If you want to enjoy color longer, choose plants that bloom at different times.

According to Realestate.com, a 5% investment

in the landscaping of your property can increase its value

by as much as 15% and may reduce the amount of time

a home stays on the market by up to 6 weeks! 

 

Summer is short....dig in the dirt...enjoy the sun...and add value to your home!

 

If you are interested in more ways to improve the value of your home, 

call us at (207)784-3800 or e-mail brenda@fontaineteam.com. 

 

 

 

TIME TO BOOST YOUR CURB APPEAL

Summer is almost here

and that means the buyers are out and looking....

is your house ready? 

Have you paid any attention to your Curb Appeal? 

 The first impression of a potential buyer is crucial...

so here are some easy things you can do to boost your Curb Appeal...

1.  Routine Maintenance - mowing the lawn, weeding, trimming shrubs and making sure driveways and walkways are clear and clean seems like common sense, but you would be surprised how often I see houses listed for sale where the yard looks like a jungle.  If you let your yard go, it may give potential buyers the impression that other things have also been neglected. 

2.  Clean it Up - Put away the hose and toys and make sure the entry is free from spider webs and debris.  Tripping over toys or having a spider drop on your shoulder are sure turn offs for potential buyers.

3. Front Door - Painting your exterior doors is a pretty easy project that can make the front of your home pop - just don't go too crazy with the color! While you are at it...adding easily readable house numbers makes your home easy for potential buyers to find.

4. Lighten Up - Make sure your exterior lights look nice and are in working order.  Replace broken fixtures or burnt out bulbs.  Some buyers drive around to scope out potential homes in the evening...a well lit home will attract attention and a dark home will fade into the night.

5.  Pretty Plants - Add some life to your yard easily by adding a few pots of flowers to the front porch or freshening up your planting beds.  Fresh mulch can also make a huge difference.  

6.  Window Work - Wash your windows.   Chances are you don't realize how dirty they are, but a buyer will be looking closely.  Once your windows are clean, adding shutters and window boxes of flowers can add a lot of character without a huge expense.

7.  Mailbox Makeover -  Is your mailbox held onto the post with duct tape after a run-in with the plow this winter?  Now is the time to repair the post, make sure the mailbox is not rusted or covered with peeling paint. 

Homes with great curb appeal often sell quicker and for more money! 

 Boost your Curb Appeal and then get ready for the offers to roll in! 

Check out my Curb Appeal Pins on my Pinterest by clicking on the logo below...

 If you would like more information on how to sell your home faster and for more money, please call Fontaine Family - The Real Estate Leader on click the button below to send us an e-mail!