Curb Appeal What's the Big Deal?

I know you've all heard about curb appeal. You know what it is, but do you realize how it can make or break a deal? Several times, I have pulled up to a listing with my buyers in the car only to be told, "Never mind." It's true. And I must say, I have felt the same way. If there is no appeal outside, your gut instinct tells you there is no appeal inside. Adding curb appeal to your home may not increase the price, but it can save you money by helping you sell more quickly. In an article from NAR, "The home has to say buy me” at all times, says HarkerABR®, CRS®, a broker-associate with Keller Williams Realty in Dallas.

If you are planning to sell your home or just want your neighbors to envy you a bit, give your home some curb appeal. Here are a few inexpensive things you can do to add appeal to your home.

The first thing you need to do is check your home for repairs. Is there cracked or peeling paint? Siding missing or has it slipped from its position? Broken bricks, shutters, or railings? There is no point in adding gardens, pathways, arbors, etc. if your house is in need of repairs. Plants and sidewalks won't hide it.

After making repairs make sure any landscaping is trimmed, edged, weeded and refreshed. In other words, make sure shrubs are not growing wild and into the path. Pull weeds, edge and lay some new mulch. Make it look fresh. “If the yard is overgrown and weedy, it’s a turnoff,” says Steve Griggs, president of Land Design Studio Inc. in Blauvelt, N.Y.

If you have bare spots or no landscaping, time to start planting. Exteriors by Better Homes and Gardens suggests container plantings. These are merely plants in containers such as: flower boxes, ceramic or tera cotta pots, metal containers, or hanging baskets. According to HGTV, a seller can get 100% return on their investment in landscaping.

Exteriors by Better Homes and Gardens also suggests replacing hardware and lighting fixtures or add lighting to pathways.

A great way to get ideas is to drive through neighborhoods and check out the homes that appeal to you. I'm willing to bet most will be in good repair and beautifully landscaped with lots of flowers and shrubs and lots of color.

If any of you would like to show some transformations you've made, please email them to me and I will post them and show them off for you.

Corian, Granite, Glass or Quartz, Icestone?? Is it worth it?

Are you having trouble trying to decide what countetops might be best for you? Are you wondering what value you will get out of it? Sometimes we "bless" our homes with valuable upgrades that may not increase the value of our homes. That's okay, if you do it for you and not because you think you will reap rewards when you sell. If you plan on living in your home for a long time, you might want to invest for your own satisfaction. Adding a solid surface to your countertops will definately enhance the look and value of your kitchen. While I don't recommend you run out and install solid surface if you are in a home with a market price under $150k (this is approximate), solid surface can usually increase the value of your home. Take a look at the different types of solid surface countertops available.

According to "Kitchen Trends, Atlanta, GA" Quartz countertops are "What's Hot." Silestone by Cosentino says there are over 50 colors/patterns to choose from, it is the toughest interior surface available on the market and it is the only countertop to have built-in Microban protection, as well as NSF and Greenguard Certification. What does that mean to the consumer? Microban antimicrobial protection inhibits the growth of bacteria and it is safe for indoor use in areas where food is prepared. Check out Silestone's website for more information http://www.silestone.com/

Glass sounds fragile, but Think Glass designs says glass countertops are prized for enduring strength. These countertops can endure the hard knocks of the kitchen. Think Glass also says their designs are infinite because different colors, textures and patterns can be embedded into the glass. Glass countertops are non-porous making them extremely hygenic. Check out Think Glass' website http://www.thinkglass.com/

Monticello Granite backs their granite with a 25 year warranty. Granite is a natural stone product that will last for years provided you follow the maintenance and care guide. Countertop Specialty says, "a quick spray and wipe cleaner will adequately clean, disinfect and protect your countertops." Check out http://www.countertopspecialty.com/ and http://www.monticellogranite.com/ for more information on granite countertops

Corian Countertops by Dupont claims these countertops were created for a lifetime of easy care. Dupont has over 100 colors/patterns to choose from. You might want to check out their site for more information http://www2.dupont.com/Surfaces/en_US/products/corian/corian_care.html

Another countertop, which is new to me is IceStone. IceStone countertops are made of 100% recycled glass and concrete. What will they think of next? According to Smart HomeOwner, "this means that IceStone surfaces contain no volatile organic compounds that can off-gas and affect indoor air quality." This is environmentally safe and a healthy material. If you are looking to build "Green" this is the countertop for you. Check out their website for more information http://www.icestone.biz/

To help you make the decision that is best for you, I found this site which compares most of these products and gives you appoximate prices. http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Countertop_Options-Countertops-A1579.html