Improving your home’s curb appeal does not always need an expensive outlay or hiring a contractor. Highlighting and enhancing your home’s best architectural details with a few added features can garner that second look you want. Here is a quick rundown of some inexpensive upgrades to make your porch one of those standout features buyers look for in a home.
Hang a porch swing
Nothing says friendly neighborhood like a swing on your front porch. Installing a cozy swing gives you a place to relax and enjoy the view, chat with neighbors, and sip some lemonade on a hot summer’s day. Porch swings come in designs to fit any décor from traditional to modern. If your porch is large enough, look for a swinging porch bed or group swing so several people can socialize there at one time. Look for new swings at hardware and DIY stores or opt for an antique or farmhouse style from your local flea market. Paint your swing a cheery, glossy color to brighten up the outside or add a colorful cushion.
Set up a reading area
If you cannot hang a swing, consider setting up charming outdoor furniture as a place for children to read and while away a spring day. Benches, old church pews, or rush-seat wooden chairs painted to match add a delightful and cozy aspect to your front outdoor living space. Add a small side table for those early morning coffee cups and a potted plant to enhance the area.
Install Porch Curtains
An on-trend idea to add privacy and drama to your porch is to add outdoor drapes. These heavy-duty, sun-resistant curtains come in solids, bold stripes, floral, and other geometric patterns. Choose ones that complement your home’s colors and draw attention to the extended living space a front porch provides. Use them to block the sun or wind on any given day. Purchase only UV-protected fabrics with heavy-duty grommets that withstand the sun, wind, and rain. Install tie-backs to keep the curtains from blowing and catching on bushes or trees planted near the porch when the curtains are not in use. Your porch curtains can block the bright sun from heating your home on the hottest days of summer too.
Your porch is an integral part of your home’s appeal. Talk to your real estate professional about other ways to highlight its charms when preparing your home to show.
About the Author
Jamie Jamieson
Professional Association National Association of Realtors (NAR) New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors/ Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service Education I hold an A.A in Italian Studies and an A.S in Accounting as well as being one of few students accepted into the Cambridge University International Student Study Program abroad as a returning student in 2011. Community Involvement I am proud to serve on the Home & School Board for St. Augustine School in Ossining and maintain the role of a Girl Scout leader. I am an active member of the community assisting in a variety of fundraising efforts. Personal I am a young and energetic agent who prides myself on providing personalized service with honest representation whether you are buying or selling your home. My expertise of the river towns, attention to detail and excitement for real estate are a few of the many assets I will bring to you. I will utilize my eagerness and market knowledge of the area to build lasting relationships with all of my clients that will extend far beyond the closing table. Be at ease from start to finish with my help. In my spare time, I love exploring the Hudson Valley with my husband, three children and our dog, Pippin. I love scoping out the infinite restaurants, farmers markets and other fabulous activities this exciting county has to offer. Experience Before joining William Raveis Legends Realty Group I started my career with Hudson Homes Sotheby's International Realty team. Prior to real estate, I had a remarkable 15+ year career in Restaurant Management/Hospitality including Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Rivermarket and several establishments in Newport, Rhode Island. My experience in that field provided me with the foundation of excellence in customer service. Areas Covered All of Westchester County and parts of Putnam County.