If you have ever house-hunted or sold a home in the dead of winter, you know that it presents a whole new set of challenges. For buyers, it's difficult to see the landscaping, patios, decks and foundation under a couple feet of snow. For sellers, the challenge is trying to make your home look as appealing in the dreary winter light as it does on a sunny summer day when nature is on your side.
However, creating curb appeal during the winter months is achievable. While you can't rely on nature's resplendence, with the tree branches bare and the rest of the garden in sleep mode, you can create a warm inviting outdoor landscape that will put your home's best face forward.
Neat and tidy is the way to go. This rings true no matter what the season. Trim trees, vines and bushes, rip out dead annuals from flowerbeds, keep the shovel, garbage cans and recycling bins neatly stored in the garage or shed. Have your children put away bikes, sporting equipment and anything else that may be lying around.
Add a little life. Consider planting some winter flowers. Even in winter, plants such as honeysuckle, snowberry, winter jasmine, fountain grasses, cabbages and lambs ear can add life and colour to your exterior. Evergreens, holly bushes and yews can also be put in planter pots and stand up well even when the snow flies.
Bring your decor outdoors. Your window boxes can be filled with winter greenery such as cedar branches, euonymus, holly and birch bark twigs. Add colourful berries and inexpensive craft-store finds such as grapevine stars, sparkly sticks or ribbons.
Think safety and curb appeal. With a slew of strangers using your front walk during showings and open houses, be sure to replace burnt out exterior light bulbs and ensure all exterior lighting is in working order. Adding additional lighting such as solar lamps, spotlights or rope lighting may help brighten up pathways and cheer up entranceways when the days become shorter. Also be sure to stay on top of the shoveling of your drive and walkway.
Dress up the front door too. Paint it a bright colour or add a seasonal wreath for a pop of colour and charm.
By putting in a little extra work, you can make your home look as great in January as it does in June!