Hands down, fall is the most beautiful time of year in the Western North Carolina mountains. Nature puts on a gorgeous show of color, from vibrant reds and purples to bright yellows. Our peaks and valleys seem perfectly shaped to resonate with the crisp, cool air. And there are few sights in the world more breathtaking than the autumnal views of the Blue Ridge.
It’s also a very busy season for home buyers, in part because of the colors and in part because of the pre-holiday push. That means it’s also a busy season for home sellers, whether you remain an area resident or not.
If you’re an out-of-town seller, we’re sure you left your home’s interior spotless for any seasonal showings. But, unfortunately, a change in temperature means a change to your home’s exterior. Here are five easy fall curb appeal tips that can help your home remain as fresh and clean as our Appalachian mountain air. Start putting these steps in place now to attract home buyers throughout the season.
1. Plant Fall Flowers
Your irises and daylilies were gorgeous earlier in the year. Your hostas kept your home looking green throughout the summer. But now all you’re left with are shriveled stalks of what was once well-designed landscaping. Make your landscaping—and your home in general—look its best by adding more color in the fall. When your summer plants begin to fade, replace them with vibrant mums, fall edibles, or other native plants cultivated to look lively throughout the season. Be sure to prune trees and hedges that need trimmed back in the fall.
2. Take Care of the Leaves
Fall colors look great on your trees, but become a big eyesore as soon as the leaves hit the ground. Hire a groundskeeping crew to keep your lawn leaf free throughout the fall. Taking care of leaves on a regular basis will help keep your yard from developing brown patches. It will also make the home’s maintenance feel less burdensome to potential buyers. Consider starting a compost pile with the debris.
3. Clean Your Home’s Exterior
Another downside of fewer leaves on the trees is that your home’s exterior—and any flaws—will be more exposed to potential buyers. If you didn’t when you listed your home on the market, take the time now to make sure it’s pressure washed and the window exteriors are clean. If needed, make sure the paint is fresh (not faded) and any chips or scrapes are fixed on trim, railings, and decks. Check caulk around windows and doors, and follow manufacturer’s recommendations to re-caulk if needed. Clear gutters and downspouts of debris. Don’t forget to drain and store garden hoses, install insulating covers on exterior spigots, and make sure sprinkler systems are free of water.
4. Revisit Classic Curb Appeal Tips
Make the entrance to your home as welcome as possible for all potential buyers by highlighting your front door. Refresh the door wreath and mat, especially if they’re seasonal designs. Add potted plants that mirror your refreshed landscaping. Protect your porch and/or deck, and clean and store patio furniture, umbrellas, and children’s summer toys. And keep any other seasonal decorations to a tasteful minimum. Remember, your goal is to attract home buyers, not trick-or-treaters.
5. Don’t Forget the Lighting
We’re in that awkward few weeks now when the sun rises later and later in the morning. And as soon as Daylight Saving Time ends, the sun will set dramatically earlier in the evening. Make sure your home is welcoming regardless of the shortening length of our days. Install decorative lights to make walkways safer, and flood lights or lanterns to brighten the front door. Putting your lights on a timer or sensor will ensure agents never have to fumble in the dark for a switch. You can also install some solar-powered lights without having to do any digging or wiring.
Do you have all these easy fall curb appeal tips in place? Let us know your plan in the comments.
All real estate is local. In order to make confident real estate decisions, it’s important to have timely and neighborhood-specific information. Contact us today to speak with a Beverly-Hanks real estate agent about selling your Western North Carolina home. View all Beverly-Hanks real estate listings.
Our post was inspired by this HGTV gallery slideshow.
I would like to improve my home’s curb appeal by having new windows installed. Thank you for sharing here as well the importance of having new flowers and native plants added. I also agree with you that the lawn area must be regularly cleaned.