Before buyers ever set foot inside a Portland home, the very first thing they notice is its curb appeal. As autumn approaches and plants start to die, it becomes harder to keep your yard looking fresh. Take advantage of this warm weather to prep your property for the fall with the tips below.
- Keep your lawn in tiptop shape. Adding grass seed, fertilizing your lawn and using some old-fashioned elbow grease may be all that’s necessary to set your house apart and signal to buyers that you care about keeping it well maintained.
- Declutter your yard. The same advice you’ve always heard about staging the inside of your house is also true when it comes to your yard. Pick up the toys, pack away the yard gnome collection and store the boat or RV elsewhere.
- Maintain the landscaping. Make sure your mulch looks fresh and your plants are tended to. If you can, try to keep some color in your landscaping with hardy cold-weather flowers like mums.
- Touch up any faded or peeling paint. If you’ve been meaning to paint the exterior of your home for the past couple of years, now is the time to do it. It can be expensive but it’s necessary when putting your Portland home on the market.
- Update outdoor fixtures. Replace any dated outdoor fixtures, including shutters, the mailbox and anything decorative. Also, consider installing solar-powered accent lighting in your landscaping and along the sidewalk.
- Replace that dated roof. It may have a couple of years of use left, but nothing will be a stronger signal that you care about the upkeep and appearance of your property than a brand new roof. Also, clean out the gutters.
- Tend to your sidewalks and driveway. It may not make sense to replace them, but ensure you get any cracks sealed and repair all damaged sections.
If you’re trying to sell your Portland home and would like even more ideas check out some of the other posts on the Portland Real Estate Blog