Summer Curb Appeal

It’s Prime Curb Appeal Season!

 

Ottawa is a city full of natural beauty. From the outskirts to the city centre, you’re guaranteed to find green spaces and gardens full of colour around almost every corner. Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about your own curb appeal. It doesn’t matter whether you’re putting your home on the market, or just want to spruce up your yard for the season, we’ve summarized a few small tips and tricks that can make a big impact this year.

 

Yard Maintenance

 

A well-kept yard is typically a sign of a well-kept home. Trim back any overgrown plants or trees to help create a neater, more polished look. If you want to add a bit of colour to your yard, consider planting some annual flowers alongside your perennials. These will add a bright and cheerful touch to your garden that’s sure to impress. Also make sure your lawn is in tip-top shape by mowing regularly, pulling weeds and watering as needed. Consider installing a sprinkler system if your budget permits, this will help you save time and ensure your lawn stays healthy and green all summer long. If this sounds like too much maintenance for you, consider hiring a professional or creating a more low maintenance yard.

 

Home Exterior

 

The exterior surfaces of your home take up a lot of visual space on your property. Given that these surfaces can accumulate quite a lot of dirt and grime, it can cause gradual discolouration. One of the simplest ways to fix this is by pressure washing your siding. Doing this will immediately make your property look brighter and cleaner. If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can rent one from most hardware stores. Be sure not to be too close or use too high pressure as this can damage certain kinds of siding. (Please make sure you’re aware of any safety considerations before you begin). Consider repainting the front door and adding complementary potted plants to your front porch, as it can give a splash of strong colour to the public-facing side of your home. Also check to make sure that your home is well illuminated in the evening hours for optimal curb appeal.

 

Driveway

 

Your driveway is one of the first things people see and feel when they pull up to your home, so it’s important to make sure it’s in good condition. Start by giving both your driveway and walkways a good pressure washing. This will help remove any dirt or grime buildup. Once that’s been done, fill in any cracks or holes that may have developed over the winter. If you have an asphalt driveway, you may want to consider resealing it. This will help protect your driveway from the elements, and can prevent future cracking and damage.

 

Now, go make your home look its best!

By following these tips, you can give your home a quick summer facelift that will make a noticeable difference for your curb appeal. If you’re exploring the Ottawa real estate market and  would like more information regarding our services, please reach out! We’d be happy to help.

Selling Your Home in the Fall

As is with the turn of every season, the arrival of fall marks new beginnings for many. School starts for kids of all ages, parents are returning to work, summer vacations have ended, and a drop in temperature has many homeowners beginning to think about what needs to be done before old man winter coats the city in a blanket of snow. If selling your home is still on your to list, now is the time to put that plan into action. 

Fall is a close second to spring in Ottawa’s hot Real Estate market. With comfortable temperatures expected throughout the season and the beautiful changing colours providing a backdrop that works as natural curb appeal, this lively market is not slowing down any time soon. It is time now to take advantage of your position as a seller and make the most off your investment. Here are some tips to get your home SOLD in this vibrant market. 

Enhance Your Curb Appeal

Fall is a wonderful time of year for experiencing nature’s beauty, and if you are planning to sell your home, this is something you can take advantage of. The leaves will change color and fall from the trees, giving us an opportunity to enjoy their various shades all over again! To make your home feel more like autumn we suggest incorporating seasonal décor items such as pumpkins or squash so they’re not forgotten when summer blooms fade away. Bring your cozy decor outside, lining your conversation set under your covered porch with chunky blankets and add a touch of seasonal floral arrangements, such as chrysanthemums for a little extra flare. 

Don’t Slack On The Yard Work

One of the best things you can do to maintain a clean and tidy yard is keeping it clutter free and well groomed. Mowing your grass regularly and raking dead leaves will keep debris from buildup on beds, sidewalks, or driveways. Also take this time to weed your gardens and do your regular garden maintenance, whether it be laying a new layer of mulch or trimming back and doing fall pruning. All of these tasks will ensure the outside of your house looks as well taken care of as the inside is, instilling a sense of confidence among buyers. 

Incorporating Fall Indoors

For the perfect autumn home, focus on fall colours and decor. Fall brings on cooler temperatures, so it’s time to change your home décor from vibrant hues into more subdued tones like oranges and reds, as well as lighter creams and neutrals to make you feel cozy at first glance. Incorporate pumpkins and gourds in your centrepieces and add plaid, textured, and plush linens to both your living area and dining room. Having a well decorated and staged home is an attractive feature and consistent part of the selling process. 

Keep it Bright

The shorter days and cooler temperatures are a great time to make sure your home is always shining! Humans are naturally attracted to light and airy spaces. Make sure your house is bright for all showings by opening up curtains and cleaning your windows both inside and out. Additionally, making sure you turn on as many lights as possible and checking that all the bulbs and switches in your house are in working order. If there are any problems with lighting, add decorative accent lamps to brighten any dull or forgotten corners in your home that should be showcased well. Ensuring your home is well lit allows for buyers to feel more welcomed and comfortable in your home. 

Maintain Comfortable Temperatures

Fall weather can be unpredictable, so make sure your home is set to a comfortable temperature and not too hot or cold. If you have any worries about the condition of your furnace, ensure you have it serviced immediately. A furnace should be serviced annually to ensure it is well maintained and in working order. The last thing you would want is to have it kick the bucket on the day of your first Open House. 

Every season has its own set of advantages and challenges when it comes to buying and selling Real Estate, and fall is no exception. Fortunately, with careful planning you can optimize on the season’s pleasantries to market your home for a great sale before winter comes. Make sure you talk to your Royal LePage TEAM Realty Full-Service REALTOR ® about staging your home and getting quality photos done for your listing. The time to sell is now, and our team of knowledgeable professionals are ready to help you through every step of the way.