Creating Curb Appeal

It is common knowledge among Realtors and majority of home owners that the first impression is extremely important. We strive to give our houses an inviting look making sure the front door is handsome, and entry hall is well organized and decorated. But the true first impression happens well before the visitor steps over our threshold. It is our front yard that provides a glimpse of what lies ahead, and sets the mood of the prospective buyer.

While it is extremely important to prepare a house for showings, and while more and more sellers and their agents employ the services of a home staging consultant, the front yard takes more than a few days to achieve its full potential.

Even a very small front yard can be made very attractive with an appropriate choice of schrubs and perennials, groundcovers, flowering bulbs and annual flowers. The choice of plants will depend on the amount of sunlight your front yard receives.

Sunny location allows more freedom in choosing the plants. When making your choices try to pick a variety of shades of green. This will provide depth to the overall picture. If the space allows, evergreen trees and shrubs, as well as tall grasses make your front yard attractive year round.

In the shady location ivy provides wonderful ground cover, and hostas and ferns thrive.

Landscaped and well planted front yard conserves water, and doesn't require as much care and pesticide treatment as the typical front lawn. In addition, it is more attractive and adds value to your home.

There are many gardening publications that can give you ideas to use in your landscaping. Your local garden centre should also be able to provide advice.