Westchester Real Estate – Manageable Do-It-Yourself Steps You can take to Increase the Salability of Your Westchester Home?

You want to enjoy your home’s outdoor spaces as much as possible during the warm weather months. So do potential buyers! It’s evident by popular HGTV shows like Curb Appeal and The Outdoor Room. You’re likely not a makeover guest on any of these show and may be unsure about which projects offer the best return for your efforts.

It’s not surprising that in this market, modest outdoor improvements can add significant value. A Remodeling magazine article, Curb Appeal Is King, (October, 2009), states “Seven of the top 10 Cost vs. Value projects involve the outside of the home.”

Another, Lower Limit, (November, 2009) discusses how falling home prices have reduced major remodeling investments but have increased small-scale projects which they say “may lead the way to recovery.” And according to a 2010 real estate agent survey, minimal front and back yard landscaping at a cost of $300-$400 could increase a home’s value by $1500-$2000 – or 473%! (www.homesalemaximizer.com).

But you may have already done basic spruce-ups like replaced aging foundation plantings, neatly trimmed your hedge rows and learned which annuals add optimum front yard interest. So if your windows sparkle, your exterior siding is mold-free and there’s no peeling trim in sight- you’re ready for the next tier of outdoor improvements.

But even if you’re not a home improvement guru nor up for costly professional improvements, there’s probably something you might manage over a weekend. Modest improvement projects can elevate your home’s appeal from “neat and tidy” to “charming” and “memorable,” causing prospective buyers to envision enjoying themselves at your property.

Here are a few do-it-yourself projects that can provide excellent return with moderate time or cost investment.

Soften harsh structures such as fences or support columns with fast-growing vines. Use annual or perennial vines – just be sure the structure will support woody perennials like Trumpet vine or Wisteria.

Create a path to the front door, a side entrance or the back yard. Dry beds (no mortar) are simplest. Brick or slate complement many homes but consider pea-gravel and pre-made stepping stones for a simple, rustic look. If your path is lengthy, professional installation might be worth it.

Treat old or unpainted cement stairs, patios or foundations with a color to harmonize with siding and structure to impart a cohesive, clean appearance. Use masonry paint.

Edge garden beds. You could use decorative edging or pavers, but it’s easier and reduces ongoing maintenance to use a spade to make a sharp, clean 4”-6”deep perimeter trench to prevent grass creep between pavers and into the garden.

Use strategic solar lighting in the front yard. Many solar lighting choices are available. While also a safety bonus, illuminating a focal point like the front door, specimen trees or walkway adds drama. (Some prospects might do evening drive-bys).

Place a bench in or near your garden…or a bistro set if your surface is level. Even if your garden is tiny, creating a focal point in proximity to scene worth spotlighting helps visitors to imagine lingering in your yard.

Consider heightening your home’s appeal with these or other smaller-scale improvements – both for your own enjoyment and to enhance your home’s salability during the best outdoor and marketing seasons.

Pat Neville is proud to be a member of The Top5 in Real Estate Network and is pleased to provide Westchester Home Sellers with access to the most comprehensive resource library of  Home Selling Solutions. Contact Pat for your confidential analysis and a ‘Solutions Proposal’ to the factors weighing into  your home selling decision