Simple, Summer Updates for Your Northern Virginia Home

Summer is here in Northern Virginia and with many homebuyers motivated to snag a great deal, it might be time to give your home a necessary makeover. Curb appeal is just one way to transform the overall feel of your home in Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, or Fairfax or simply give it a quick update. From the front door to the patio, these easy ways to add curb appeal just might get homebuyers through the front door, boost your home value and even take your home off the real estate market quicker than you expected.

The Front Door
Start at your Northern Virginia home's front door and work your way back. This summer, you can give the door a pop of color like red or blue to make it stand out and catch a homebuyer's eye. "Your home's front entry is the focal point of its curb appeal," said Better Homes and Gardens. Aside from paint, shine the door's hardware and consider replacements if the knobs are outdated or damaged. In addition, remember you always want to make a homebuyer feel welcome— adding a wreath can do the trick and complete the look.

Think of Symmetry
Symmetry might not have crossed your mind when you were planning your outdoor or landscaping projects this summer. However, it's worth a mention. Symmetry is pleasing to a Northern Virginia homebuyer's eye and is simple to arrange. If you've added a flower pot on one side of the door, do the same to the opposite side. If you've added outdoor lighting or sconces flanking the doorway, consider matching them to the door's existing hardware.

Gutters and Downspouts
Even these two features play a role in your Northern Virginia home's curb appeal. If your home is older, chances are the gutters and downspouts are seeing peeling paint, rust and other problems that can come from years of wear and tear. "Replace the old system with newer, snap-fit vinyl gutter systems that go together with few tools and require no painting," added Better Homes and Gardens.

The Driveway
Your home's driveway is one of the first features homebuyers will notice as they approach the property. Be sure the driveway is not cracked and doesn't have weeds growing inside. To update this area of your home in McLean, Fairfax, Mount Vernon, or Arlington, you can take a weekend and reseal the drive, repair the cracks, kill the weeds and even widen the path by adding flagstones or pavers to the sides.

If selling your Northern Virginia home is on your to-do list this summer, first take some time to get your home in order. Boosting curb appeal is important for every homeowner, especially in terms of adding to your home value. If you have questions about what it takes to sell this time of year, I'm here to answer!

I happily serve the areas of Alexandria, Annandale, Arlington, Burke, Centreville, Chantilly, Clifton, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Great Falls, Herndon, Lake Ridge, McLean, Mount Vernon, Reston, Rosslyn, Springfield, Tyson’s Corner and Vienna.

Earle Whitmore

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
Visit Our Website
View Northern Virginia Homes for Sale
Become Our Facebook Fan
Follow Us On Twitter
Connect With Us On LinkedIn