"Curb appeal" is a generic real estate term used to describe the attractiveness of a home as seen from the street. Various studies show that professional landscaping can increase the value of your home by up to 15%. Having a well designed and landscaped front yard, that accents your home, is a desirable virtue for everyone.

Unlike backyard landscaping, with the front yard you have to consider home access, parking, safety and invitation. Accenting walkways and driveways with flower beds and borders will, in most cases, instantly create an impressive and inviting appeal for potential buyers.

Creating a welcoming landscape doesn't have to be a difficult or expensive endeavour. If you are starting from scratch, it can take quite a bit of time to get the desired effect. However, the process can be shortened by laying starter sod and using flowers that have already started blooming. The following steps will help to quickly create curb appeal for your home.

1. Tidy up. Remove toys from the driveway, plant pretty flowers, mow the lawn, and remove all debris from your lawn, porch and driveway.
2. Trim up. Cut the grass and edge the borders with a weed trimmer. Take care to get rid of all weeds, including ones by the walls and around the mailbox post. 
3. Keep your lawn green lawn. Regular watering and some fertilizer will keep your lawn green and appealing. 
4. Add some colour to your yard.     Pretty flowers are easy to plant and give your home infinite appeal.
5.  Paint. Giving your home (trim and shutters too) a new coat of paint easily breathes new life into its           appearance. However, make sure you select a colour palette that is neutral and any buyer can enjoy. Even if red is in style now, not all buyers would appreciate high fashion. Keep it simple and neutral. 
6.  Update your front door. Greet guests in style with an eye-catching front door that makes a statement. You can find exterior doors in a variety of materials from traditional wood to sturdy steel. The key is to select a door that suits your home's architectural style. If your current door is in good condition, you can make it stand out by painting it a bold colour or adding windows, sidelights, mouldings and more. 
7. Illuminate paths and walkways with outdoor lighting. Install lighting fixtures that will complement the style of your home as well as help to create dramatic effects. Use fixtures with built-in motion detectors to enhance safety.  
8. Add decorative accents. Top your exterior off with finishing touches such as interesting house numbers that are clearly visible from the street. And while you're at it, why not add a pretty new  mailbox? Or frame windows with new shutters?
9. Dress-up your front porch or entry. Make sure you have an inviting place for potential buyers to sit and admire the landscaping. Even a small space has room for a chair or bench and a round table, or a stool to place a drink on. An outdoor accessory or two is fine, but keep it simple and uncluttered.

Keep in mind that simplicity is the key to creating curb appeal. A few flower beds that border and define walkways, curbs and lawn areas, and a few flower pots next to the home is often enough.

Remember: Breaking projects up into small, manageable chunks-as your time and budget allow-is the best way to go, because even just a few design tweaks can make a big impact to your home's curb appeal.

If you would like more information on the wonderful neighbourhoods of the GTA, such as Armour Heights, the Cricket Club, Hogg's Hollow, Bathurst Manor, or North York, please feel free to call me. 

If you would like to discuss this article with me or receive more information, please feel free to call Liz Gordon at Sutton Group Admiral Realty Inc. at (416) 739-7200 or drop me an email at egordon@trebnet.com. I look forward to hearing from you!