Trends that Increase Curb Appeal

First impression is everything so curb appeal is paramount when you are selling a home.  Buyers can either fall in love with a home’s exterior or they can be turned off by it.  This topic is so important that Realtor Magazine’s February issue suggested 10 ways to enhance your home’s image.  We’re thrilled that Valerie Torelli, founder of Torelli Realty, was asked to give her input and we’d like to share some of these great tips.One easy fix - consider potted plants.  Not only can they be moved easily, but they can also be taken by sellers when they move.  We’ve even incorporated them into our seller’s listings and fondly refer to them as Torelli Portaplants. It’s a small change with big impact.Sellers can also try some of these trends:-Instead of lawn, cover the ground with low-maintenance plants.  (This is also green friendly, which is a trend among buyers.)-Planting a vegetable garden-Creating a nice path to the door.  This will keep buyers on track!-Landscaping with topiaries, dwarf trees, mature trees, and various plants that will produce color throughout the year to add visual interest.-Hardscaping.  This home design trend is very common in Southern California. Many buyers here look for outdoor living spaces that include outdoor fireplaces, kitchens, and entertaining space.-Water featuresCondo owners and townhome owners can also try some of these tips on a smaller scale. Here are some tips for you:-Focus on lighting-Landscape your patio/yard.  If you have a yard, you can also use low-maintenance plants to cover the ground.  If you have a patio, make sure it is safe & welcoming.  And go ahead and make your walkway visually interesting with plants!-Make sure your unit stands out.  For instance, use color on your doors & shutters.  Also, use a highly visible house number so that your unit is easy to find.These trends are great ways to help your home pop… Remember, first impression is everything!