The folks at This Old House know all about fixing homes up to look their best. Now that spring is finally here in Maryland, people are ready to get outside and spruce things up, especially if they are thinking of selling. But before you dig that old can of paint out of the garage, take a few minutes to hear what the experts have to say about ramping up your curb appeal. Don’t stand out like a sore thumb. Recognize that your home will be looked at in the context of its neighbors. Buyers will be looking at your home most closely, but also at the overall picture of the neighborhood. So, if you are thinking of adding a grand entrance portico, but everyone around you has a less formal style, your home could end up looking out of step with its neighbors. In the same way, keep your paint color and tones in line with neighbors' shades. Some neighborhoods actually compete for who can have the brightest and wildest color combinations. But in most cases, a paler shade with coordinating deeper accent colors for door and shutters is a better choice. Nature is a great decorator. If you are lucky enough to have a big old maple out front that makes it a bit hard to see your house from the street, don't even think of cutting it down. Mature trees add to the value of a home, so if it needs trimming, hire a professional. More than just a nice, homey appearance, trees can actually help you save energy by providing shade in the heat of summer. Nature will help your house look inviting throughout the year if you choose plants that have color in every season. Bright flowers in spring and summer, plants that change color in the fall, and colorful berries and evergreens for the winter make your house more attractive no matter when buyers see it. Keep it simple. Before you decide on a major improvement, consider how much of the cost will come back to you when you sell. Remodeling Magazine's online edition does an annual survey of cost vs. return on a variety of projects. Check out the latest figures here: http://costvalue.remodelingmagazine.com/index.html before you start a major project. Keeping it simple doesn’t mean you can ignore the little stuff. Details like visible house numbers, nice light fixtures, and attractive potted plants help dress up your home for spring. With more than 20 years of experience in the local market, the "Special" Ed Haraway Team has knows how to help you sell your home and negotiate your best deal. We’ve earned the title of "The Realtors Who Treat You Special!" | 
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