Long Beach Real Estate-Long Beach Condos

Curb Appeal on a Budget

When it is time to improve your Long Beach Homes curb appeal it does not have to put a major dent in your finances. By simply replacing an old worn-out garage door with a new upgraded model you can change the look of your home more than almost any other upgrade to the exterior, especially if the garage is in the front of your property. This is a simple and easy project that will not break the bank. Here are some suggestions to increase the 'Curb Appeal' of your Long Beach Homes. Compliments of Laurie Manny your Long Beach Realtor.

Top Ten Things You Can Do to Add 'Curb Appeal'

 1. Does anything make as big of an impact as a fresh coat of paint?

Is there a Long Beach home out there that would not benefit from a nice coat of fresh paint?

This is one you can have some fun with. Play with the colors, pick out a set of colors that compliment each other. Perhaps now is the time to do that color combination that you always dreamed about. Does your house have decorative trim? What a great place to get creative and use a complimentary color! Dont forget to prep and prime before painting, this will enhance the paint job making it look much better and last much longer.

2. Upgrade your lighting and fixtures

Is anything nicer after a tough day than coming home to a softly lit, relaxing haven? Take advantage of mood lighting and enhance your home environment. Perhaps a new ceiling fan or two with great lighting fixtures, there are some beautiful models available now to compliment every decor. Place a beautiful new light fixture over your front door. Check Ebay for some great lighting bargains. Check the Lamps Plus website before shopping for sales and discounts.

3. Lets freshen up the Gardens and Landscaping

Lets add some color to the edges of your garden and make it a happier place. The colors offset the shrubbery reviving the entire area. Flats of color are inexpensive and can go a long way to improving the overall exterior look of your home. Lets not forget the impact that potted trees can have on a plain cemented area. Plant some color in the pot as well, encourage it to drape over the edges for a beautiful display. The right landscaping can increase the desirability and overall appearance of your home.  Wayside Gardens is a great resource for unique plants, shipped to your door. Remember to order for the correct zone.

4. Replace Your Garage Door

By simply replacing an old worn-out garage door with a new upgraded model you can change the look of your Long Beach Home more than almost any other upgrade to the exterior, especially if the garage is in the front of the property. This is a simple and easy project that will not break the bank. There are many models available, pick one that will enhance and complement your home. Most local companies offer deep discounts on garage doors over the Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays making this a great spring or summer project. Bonus, they measure and install it! No hard labor.

5. Illuminate your exterior

Solar lighting along a path or a driveway - to low light the way - adds a nice warm glow increasing the overall appeal of your Long Beach Home. Low lights highlighting trees and shrubbery will make your home a showplace to remember. Solar lighting not only will not conserve energy, you will not have to install wiring, making this an easy and inexpensive upgrade. Check Ebay for great lighting buys!

6. Does your driveway need help?

Driveways can be expensive to upgrade or replace. A woven stone and grass pattern is relatively inexpensive and shows beautifully, increasing your curb appeal.

7. Accessorize - take a good look at your house

Is your Long Beach Home plain? Does it need a little sumptin, sumptin? Maybe some fixed shutters on a window or two? Perhaps interior plantation shutters to bring a sense of luxury to the home? A little decorative molding? Some hanging baskets of scrumptious, colorful flowers on the porch? Or hanging from the lower branches of that tree in the front yard? Perhaps an arbor at your entry way? Or a nice bench under the tree? Take a trip to Home Depot to peruse their current inventory.

8. Upgrade your walkway

Replace an old boring cement walkway, or create one, with decorative brick and stone. Make your Long Beach Home inviting.

9. Lose the chain link fence

Little will detract more from a home more than an ugly old chain link fence. Take it out. Replace it with landscaping and/or a delightful picket or a classic wrought iron fence. Get creative here, there are many styles to choose from.

10. Plant a tree

Trees are a wonderful addition to a maturing garden and can greatly enhance the overall appearance and desirability of any home. Imagine what that tree will look like in a few years!