Time to get some of that curb appeal

Both the weather and the real estate market are heating up, making it a perfect time to start preparing your house for sale.

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, buying patterns peak in late spring and early summer.

If you're trying to sell your house this spring, first impressions are of key importance.

To help improve the appeal of your house to prospective buyers and real estate agents, The Home Depot Canada offers several easy, low-cost suggestions.

For the outside of your house:

+ Brighten up your windows. Clean windows are a sign of a wellmaintained home. Give the windows a good scrub with detergent and wipe dry.

+ The power of paint. Outdoor painting can turn into a big job, but small to medium sized projects are all you need to add a fresh touch to any home.

Consider re-painting or staining the fence, porch, lattice, outdoor shutters, front door or garage this season.

+ Light up the entrance. Floodlights and porch lights give a soft inviting glow. Try stand alone fixtures, post or hanging lights to accessorize your home's front walkway.

For your front garden:

+ Garden on the cutting edge. Add definition to the landscaping around your home by easily installing concrete edging for curved beds or borders and sharp, crisp corners.

+ Plant into a pot of colour. Planters add a welcoming touch when flanked alongside your front door.

Alternatively, position a large colourful planter in the middle of a lackluster flower bed or group together pots of various sizes to make for a dynamic focal point.

+ Repair those bare spots. Small flaws in the lawn can easily be repaired with some seed and diligent watering.

For more information visit your local The Home Depot.

- News Canada