From Dennis and Jane Guertin | Guertin Family Realty
GuertinFamilyRealty@gmail.com | (952) 442-1300 | www.GuertinFamilyRealty.com
Greetings,
Do you know the secrets to great curb appeal? Making your home look its best is a win-win situation, whether it's for your own enjoyment or because you're preparing to sell. Here are some helpful curb appeal tips to consider.
Dennis and Jane Guertin
(952) 442-1300 Direct


5 Secrets to Great Curb Appeal


1. Let Your Front Door Make a Statement

Your front door is often the primary visual anchor point of your home, which is why contrasting colors that catch the eye and draw visitors towards it can be very effective.



A strong contrast doesn't have to be created by a deep paint color, even though red and purple doors often work extremely well for this purpose. The photo above shows how door trim and side windows can create frames that let the front door "pop" from the street view.


2. Add Features that Create Visual Depth

If a home looks a little too drab or flat from the curb, you can incorporate design elements that give it more visual depth. Examples include:
  • Large plants and decorative planters.
  • A portico over a doorway.
  • A trellis, patio, or porch.
  • Contrasting window trim and/or shutters. (Especially if the windows were bare to begin with, in which case adding trim makes an enormous difference.)
  • Window boxes with flowers or plants.
  • A gate and/or fencing.
  • Defined walkways and path lighting.
See truly amazing "Before and After" curb appeal transformations based on these techniques in this photo gallery from HGTV.


3. Use Borders to Accentuate Landscape Features



Distinct edges along landscaping borders act like the frame on a painting, making whatever is on display easier to appreciate.

Tip: This can be easily achieved using a plastic border material such as this no-dig edging product from Home Depot.


4. Don't Let Distractions Dilute Your Message

When it comes to curb appeal, the intended message is "Welcome to this inviting and appealing home." Like any other message, however, it can be distorted by too much static. Pay attention to little things, such as:
  • Plants that need to be trimmed back.
  • Outdoor furniture or anything else that blocks physical or visual flow.
  • An over-accumulation of decor items.
  • Surfaces that need to be pressure washed.
Individually these may not amount to much, but together they can reach critical mass and create a sensation of clutter.

Tip: Take a picture of the front view of your home and look at it objectively. Photos "add 10 pounds" to houses just as they do to people, making it easier to pinpoint in a photo any trouble areas that may not stand out clearly in person.


5. Maintain a Spotless Entryway



Visitors standing at your front entry tend to look around as they wait for the door to be opened, and it's amazing how many small details become apparent during that time!

Keep your home's great first impression going strong with:
  • A clean front door and shiny kick plate.
  • Attractive door hardware that's in good condition.
  • Updated exterior lighting fixtures.
  • Attractive door numbers.
  • A clean, sharp-looking Welcome mat.
Tip: Take a look at your visitor's path to the entryway. Does anything block the visual or physical flow? If so, you can use colorful container plants or other decor items as anchor points along the way to guide people to the front door.

What the lawyers make us say: The information here is not presented as expert legal or financial advice. Please use your best judgment and consult professionals when necessary.
Recent Market Highlights
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- U.S. home prices rose 5.8 percent year-to-year in March, according to a recent S&P/Case-Shiller report. They rose 6.9 percent year-to-year in April, according to CoreLogic, a data and analytics company.

- The national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is in the low 4-percent range.

The April Pending Home Sales Index dropped 3.3 percent year-to-year, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Contact Us for Market Information
Are you curious about your home's current market value, or do you have a question about home buying? Just reply to this email, or call us at 952-442-1300.
View Our Featured Home Listings
Links that Make Life Easier

Sometimes real estate-related, sometimes not... these are assorted links that come in handy:

Ply Gem Home Exterior Visualizer
This online tool lets you experiment with custom exterior color and material combinations.

DIY Shutters Add Curb Appeal
A simple, low-budget way to dress up a home's exterior with shutters.

Red, White and Blue Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
These look like a fun potluck dessert, and the fruit clearly makes up for the cheesecake batter. :)



The Lighter Side


Screenshot courtesy of www.LittleThings.com

"Not Nelson's Best Day" could be the title of this funny video of a little dog proving that herding sheep (like most things) is not quite as easy as the experts make it look.

Click here or on the image above to watch the video on the LittleThings website.


Your Resource for Real Estate
Are you thinking of buying or selling a home in the next year, or could you use some remodeling advice? Even if you just need the name of a good service provider, please remember that we're always here to help you. We welcome the opportunity to serve you, your friends and associates with our expertise and recommendations.

Please give us a call today at (952) 442-1300 if we can be of assistance!
Have a great day,



Dennis and Jane Guertin
Broker/Owner, REALTOR®, CRS, SFR, CBR, e-PRO, GRI, BA
Guertin Family Realty
GuertinFamilyRealty@gmail.com
952-442-1300
www.GuertinFamilyRealty.com

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Guertin Family Realty | 71 Point Drive | Waconia | MN | 55387


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