Curb appeal doesn’t have to be all about selling your home. Improving the exterior with landscaping and decor is a way to add your personal touch. While homes with front porches have the added advantage of providing an extension of the home’s entrance, a porch alone is not always welcoming. There are some simple changes you can make to your porch to make it feel more inviting and truly a personal extension of the home’s interior.
First, you’ll want to make sure you take care of any safety or cleaning issues. Things like rotting wood, chipped paint and loose paving stones may not be obvious eyesores, but they might create hesitation in a potential visitor or buyer. If you have steps to your porch, check your handrails to make sure they are stable. Check and see if the floor surface needs treatment or special cleaning. Take the time to touch up these things first so you have the best possible starting point for additional customization.
Wreaths are not just for the holiday season. A lush wreath of seasonal greenery or flowers is a great focal point and an easy way to add some plant life to your porch if you don’t have room to spare. You can even find or create a wreath of your own using faux flowers from your local crafting store. It will look like the real thing and last throughout the year, regardless of what’s in-season.
A porch with a place to sit is an invitation to stay awhile. Porches are excellent spots for conversation and enjoying the fresh air and even when not in use a well-furnished porch exudes the same sense of welcome. Depending on the size of your space, you have lots of options. Everything from benches to swinging benches or sets of chairs can make your porch seem more like an extension of your home rather than an outdoor space. Go for durable but timeless materials that can withstand the elements make a statement with something bold.
If you have furniture, add some weather-resistant textiles and cushions. This will not only make the seating more comfortable but it will look more comfortable as well. It’s also a great opportunity to let your personal style shine with your choice of colors, patterns or motif. Another way to add coziness to the front porch is with a plush door mat. Make the last step from your porch into your house a comfortable one—silly slogans optional.
Another way to add a cozy feel to your porch is with the right lighting. If you’re happy with your existing fixtures, try swapping out harsh LED bulbs for soft white LEDs. You want your porch to be well-lit, but not uncomfortably bright.
While decorating your front porch is all up to your preference, keep in mind that for selling a house you may need to shift your strategy a bit. Making your porch inviting is as simple as making it safe, accessible and friendly. The rest is up to you.
Dianne is a full time, full service, state licensed Realtor®, member of Northeast Florida Regional Association of Realtors® (NEFAR), St. Augustine/ St.Johns County Board of Realtors, National Association of Realtors® (NAR), Florida Association of Realtors® (FAR), and Northeast Florida Regional Multiple Listing Service And St. Augustine/St. Johns (MLS), Shearwater Certified, and Military on the Move Designation.
She provides a unique blend of leadership, sales acumen, project management, technology, and world class customer relation skills to enhance Watson Realty Corporation's values in the real estate sales and mortgage marketplace. She is a decisive take action solution-oriented professional with 25+ years of progressive business experience who efficiently utilizes technology to improve results. She has lived in the St. Augustine/Jacksonville area since 2005 and has seen the area continue to flourish and stays well informed of future growth plans within Northeast Florida.
Let's take a look at the lighter side of Dianne. She loves life is artistic loves music, the arts, yoga and genealogy! She loves to explore and hates to be bored. She loves the outdoors, especially plant life and wildlife. She has been a Master Gardener in Florida and Maine; as a photography enthusiast she has the eye to spot the perfect shot, which spills over to the photos she makes of the properties she markets AND frequently hires the best specialized real estate photographers/drone and videographers who make the difference in the sale. And, she loves to share her knowledge of the local real estate market and all aspects of the process to guide you through each step as a coach rather than a salesperson.
So, let's sum it up. Buying or selling your home is an important life decision. Reasons can vary greatly from change of lifestyle, to relocation or life challenges. You need someone you can trust, count on, respect and help shoulder the stress, anxiety and time commitment involved. Doesn't this sound like someone you want working for you?
So, what's the next step? Contacting Dianne of course. It is all about YOUR needs, goals, timeline and DREAMS! She's here to help you achieve them and she looks forward to hearing from you.
What are you looking for in a Realtor? - Someone who will really listen to your wants and needs? Someone who will expertly market your home until the SOLD sign adorns your front lawn or if you are a buyer tirelessly researches your wish list to find that perfect home? - How about someone who will always be honest, holds ethics in high regard as a realtor, who works aggressively to get you the best price for your home and someone who knows the market?
Selling or buying a home is a partnership with your trusted advisor- Dianne Drinkwater