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