Whether you live in an Oakland bungalow, or a large Piedmont mansion, you want your home to have its very best curb appeal to potential buyers. Your home should stand out among its competitors if you want to be first in the attention of home buyers. The good news is that you can, with a little planning, make things appealing, and, at the same time do it on a budget. In Part 1, we will concentrate specifically on first impressions that your home presents.Â
Before you begin, you must step away from your home and see it as your neighbors, potential purchasers, and real estate brokers will see it. This can be a rewarding and informative experience. What you might see as cozy and cute, might be seen by others as crowded and small.
1. Here Are Some Inexpensive Corrections To Improve The Approach to Your Front Door:
a. Clean up your walkway. Remove any weeds between the cracks, and level any paving stones.
b. Sweep and rake everywhere, removing all debris under bushes and plants, and in rain gutters.
c. Pull up all dead plants, and outdated and overgrown bushes. Prune any plants that are touching the house.
d. Wash your windows--inside AND out. Remove any mold and mildew from the steps and walls.
2. Think About Replacing Your Front Door, Or Updating Your Porch's Appearance:
a. Many doors are old and worn out. Many need paint. Painting  is an inexpensive and creative way to step up the look of your front porch. Consider replacing the door,  if it has truly served its time. New doors come in a wide variety of styles and costs,so shop around a bit.
b. Match your door to the design of your home. If you have an English Tudor style in Oakland's Redwood Heights neighborhood, and just a dull brown door to greet visitors, do some research among the home design centers to see if something will fit architecturally, and is warm and appealing.
c. Consider painting the trim on your porch and your front door . Choose a color in a flattering accent color.
d. Buy handsome new house numbers--many are now available in attractive tiles and metals.
e. Replace your porch lighting fixtures. The current selection is outstanding, and inexpensive.
 In Part 2, we will consider resources that are available to help you make these changes in the most efficient manner.
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Posted by Bruce Wagg on
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