Winter has arrived. The trees are almost bare of leaves, the sky is gray more times than not and your house does not look quite as picturesque as it did just a month or so ago when the trees were full of leaves and the flowers were in bloom. Now is the time to winterize your home to sell during this not-so-picturesque time which means that curb appeal is even more critical. After all, potential buyers won't see all the amenities inside if the outside doesn't attract them to stop and come in for a look.
First, giving the house a fresh coat of paint will have a big impact, as will being mindful of the condition of the roof and a good cleaning to the garage doors and windows. Next it's time to fix up the front of the house, and that should start around the porch and front door. Update the outdoor lighting, replace worn-out doormats, and make sure your street number is clearly visible and clean, with a coat of fresh paint if applicable. Place plants on either side of the front door, preferably a variety from the evergreen family. Also, repair the sidewalks and driveway, patching those unsightly cracks, and make sure the lawn around them is neatly edged for a clean look.
Now, clean the lawn by raking up old dead leaves, pick up toys and/or trash and keep your trash cans out of site unless it's trash pick-up day. Add a bird-feeder to help bring wildlife to your home, as beautiful song birds are a wonderful added natural element to your home. Lastly, add some holiday cheer with seasonal decorations but keep in mind to not overdo it. Give the potential buyer just enough of a hint to get their own creative juices flowing, envisioning themselves in the home with their own holiday decorations. Curb appeal doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg and with a little creativity and planning your home can look just as wonderful in the winter as it did in the summer.