Page 7 - TR Home Lawn Garden 2016

HOME, LAWN & GARDEN • THREE RIVERS EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE
SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016 7SS
homeowners do not care much about their home’s appearance, and that may lead buyers to think that indifference extends to main- taining the home’s interior. Many buyers will ignore properties without any external aes- thetic appeal, but cleaning the yard does not require much effort or expense for the sellers.
SPRUCE UP LANDSCAPING
A well-manicured lawn can go a long way to making a home more appealing. Attractive flower beds, neat yards and trimmed shrubs can help a home make a good first impression, said Nathan Lincoln, owner of Lincoln Lawncare in Searcy.
“It’s the first thing you see when you show up to a property, so it’s the most im- portant thing, in my opinion,” he said.
Adding new mulch in preparation for spring can make a big impact, he added.
If your thumb is anything but green, hire a professional lawn and garden service to help you establish a lush green lawn.
“Hire a lawn-care company because they’re going to do all the steps,” said Rodney Fisher, a salesman at Agra Turf in Searcy. “At least talk to a professional about lawn care.”
DRESS TO IMPRESS
Creating a more inviting entryway may not be as simple as cleaning up the yard, but it can help create a strong first impres- sion without breaking the bank. To begin, remove plants and furniture from the front porch or area surrounding the doorway, as such items can create a cluttered feel.
If the front door is old, replace it. Cus- tom doors may be expensive, but they might add the wow factor buyers are look- ing for. If a new door is beyond your means, or just unnecessary, repaint the door, ideally in a color that complements the color of
your home and the surrounding landscape. “Changing out the welcome mat is al-
ways a good thing,” Castle added.
Carry your interior design style to the outdoors as well. Welcoming accents, such as cushioned chairs or potted plants, also
add curb appeal.
TAKE A NUMBER
It is very important for a home’s address numbers to be clearly marked so prospec- tive buyers can find the home, Castle said.
“That’s for emergency reasons as well, so that if you do have an emergency, the police or the ambulance can find you,” she added.
Consider painting house numbers on a terra-cotta pot and filling it with plants. The pot will be both decorative and func- tional.
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
Outdoor lighting adds appeal and safe- ty to a property. Use lighting to accent a special landscaping feature or illuminate a walkway. Few people enjoy approaching a dark home, and outdoor lighting can ensure that your property is always well-lit.
“One of my pet peeves is the lighting outside,” Castle said. “If I list the home, if the light fixtures have not been upgraded recently, I tell [the homeowners] that that is a very inexpensive way to change the look of their home.”
Remember, curb appeal is applicable both day and night. Improving a house’s curb appeal can make a difference in how others view your home.
— Courtesy of Metro Creative with contributions by Sarah DeClerk, special sections writer