While a home’s yard has always served as a main selling point, today’s new focus on outdoor living space has only increased its importance. That’s why making a statement with your front yard is critical when it comes to the all-important curb-appeal factor. If you’re putting your home on the market in the near future, be sure to try the following strategies for getting your front yard in eye-catching shape.
- Start with the grass. Now is the time to kick lawn maintenance into high gear, making sure to keep up with fertilizing and mowing. While maintaining a regular mowing schedule is important, be sure not to overdo it. Cutting your grass too short will cause it to dry out quickly, especially in the hotter months of the year. The rule of thumb is to never cut off more than ⅓ of the blade of grass at any given time. If you’ve got any problem spots on your front lawn, reseed them for new grass growth or consider a ground cover in spots where you just can’t get grass to grow.
- Stagger bloom times. Nothing says curb appeal more than a show of colorful flowers in your front lawn’s garden beds. But if your garden’s bloom time tends to happen all at once, you’ll short-change your curb-appeal strategy. Map out a plan for colorful blooms over many months by planting a variety of flowers, including spring-blooming bulbs, like hyacinths, daffodils and tulips, summer perennials like lilies, phlox and black-eyed Susans, and fall favorites, such as mums, asters and sedum. You can safeguard your bloom strategy with easy-care annuals that bloom from late spring to early fall, such as impatiens in shady spots, and marigolds in sunny areas.
- Add architectural elements. While a lush lawn and colorful garden beds are key to curb appeal, you can differentiate your home and add interest with a few strategically placed hardscape features. Consider an attractive bird bath centered in a front garden bed, a metal obelisk or topiary on which to trail a climbing vine, or an attractive arrangement of stone or ceramic pots brimming with flowers or herbs. Such features will add an artistic aesthetic and personal feel to your home.
- Add a gathering spot. While our outdoor furniture and dining areas tend to be hidden in the privacy of a back or side yard, choose a spot in your front yard to arrange an inviting seating area, such as a bistro table and chairs, a pair of adirondack chairs or a simple bench with colorful outdoor pillows. Having these restful spots visible from the curb will help buyers envision the lifestyle potential of your home—without ever having to get out of the car!
- Mind your front windows and door. Don’t forget that a big part of curb appeal is your front door and front-facing windows. Give your front door a fresh coat of paint in a stand-out or complementary color and replace or clean any aged hardware. Make sure your window shutters are also freshly painted and plant window boxes with colorful annuals, herbs or a selection of differently textured greens. These finishing touches are all-important parts of your home’s first impression to buyers.
