Home Exterior

Exterior Painting Tips

2009-08-06T21:23:00.001-07:00

Ace Hardware has everything you need to maintain your home including exterior Royal paint. It's high quality mixture will protect the exterior of your home. Protect your biggest investment for a small price at Ace, the helpful place.

How to Paint a House Exterior. Video.

2009-08-06T21:22:00.001-07:00

How to Paint a House Exterior.
In this video we look at preparing old paint for new paint. This includes the burning of bad paint, sanding, scraping and caulking.

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Durable and Attractive Porch Post Columns For Your Home

2009-08-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

Riding my bike through a beach community the other day, I admired the white clapboard houses with wide front porches and lovely columns. Many of the houses were in excellent shape, while others needed repair. One house in particular caught my eye: two crude boards stood next to the beautiful yet worn columns, supporting the porch roof. I wondered if there might be a way to replace the worn out columns with ones equally beautiful yet more durable. I decided to do some research on columns to find out.
Column defined
A column is an upright pillar or post that serves functional and/or decorative purposes. Functional columns typically support beams or arches. Columns have their own vocabulary. The lower portion of a column is called the base. The upper portion is called the capital. The shaft extends vertically between the capital and the base. The horizontal structure that the column supports (a beam, for example) is called the entablature.
Architectural columns
Classic Greek architecture employed columns thousands or years ago. Early columns were made of wood or stone. Three styles dominated: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. The Doric is the simplest of the styles, while the Corinthian is the most ornate.
Modern columns are fabricated out of steel, poured concrete, brick, or structural vinyl or polyurethane. They may or may not be wrapped with a decorative veneer. Columns used today either follow the classic or styles or have simpler, more modern styles. Interior and exterior columns are popular architectural elements in new and remodeled homes.
Modern durable materials
Vinyl columns are both attractive and durable. They are lightweight and strong and are easy to cut. Vinyl columns are maintenance-free and last a lifetime. They never rot, crack, yellow, or splinter. They never need painting. While the materials are different than those used centuries ago, the styles are the same classic designs used in ancient times.
Polyurethane box columns are both decorative and functional. Homeowners use them as decorative accents both inside and outside of the house. Because they are reinforced with steel, they are strong and durable. Unlike wood, polyurethane columns never rot or splinter or become infested with bugs. Low maintenance columns just need periodic painting.
Porch posts
Porch posts are similar to columns, but smaller in scale. They are perfect in situations where columns are more substantial than the structure requires. A strong vinyl porch post has an aluminum core surrounded by stainless steel keepers for a snug fit. Because of the vinyl, the porch posts are free of maintenance and are not subject to rot or bug infestation.
Column wraps
Where columns are used for appearance only, column wraps, also called post wraps, are the perfect solution. Column wraps envelop wood posts for a more attractive look. Plus, manufactured materials such as vinyl and PVC protect wood from wind, rain, and insect damage.
Attractive and durable
My research answered my question. Columns made from modern durable materials can replace worn wood columns without losing the beauty and charming appearance of older architectural designs.
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.Learn more about Porch Post Columns.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson

Arts and Craft Exterior Design

2009-06-07T17:23:00.001-07:00

A description of the characteristics of an Craftsman home, and the reasons that the Arts and Craft Movement was created.

Landscaping for Exterior Home Lighting

2009-06-07T17:21:00.000-07:00

Landscape for exterior lighting and home design, learn about lighting rocks and water features, about low voltage lighting fixtures and measurements in this free home design video.

Expert: Brent Shelly
Bio: Brent Shelly is the principal lighting designer and consultant for iLight Studio, Inc.

Exterior Renovations

2008-05-19T09:25:00.001-07:00

Many people consider home renovating to be an inside affair, but there are also many exterior renovations that can help beautify a home and encourage spending more time outdoors. Like interior renovations, with the proper planning, and research, fixing up the exterior of a home and its surroundings can be accomplished by the do-it-yourselfer while also saving money.

If a major renovation, such as replacing siding or roofing, is not urgent, taking the time to search for the best deal is advisable. Putting up siding, and replacing a roof might be best left to a professional contractor, unless the homeowner has some prior experience. One great way to get experience, and help out someone in need at the same time, is to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. Volunteers can ask to learn a certain skill, and gain valuable experience. Also, try stopping by the Habitat Re-store to find deals on a variety of home improvement items for the interior and exterior. A good way to spruce up the home's exterior, without contractor skills, is to apply a new coat of paint- just remember to prep the surface first with a good wash, or by sanding off old paint.

Improving a home's lawn can do wonders for its appearance and curb appeal. Though some signs of improvement can be seen within a few months, know that the lawn may have to go through a couple growing seasons to see vast improvements. First remove thatch from the yard. Thatch is the dead layer of turf grass between the soil and the green grass. This is done by mowing the grass and raking out the thatch. If it is really thick, you may want to rent a power rake. Remove weeds with a hoe, and treat serious areas with weed killer. Eventually, the grass with grow thick enough to choke out the weeds. If there are unlevel areas in the yard, fill them with topsoil and compost, and rake until it's level. Add new grass where necessary, either with grass seed or new sod. Fertilizing the lawn four times a year will help in grow strong and stay healthy.

Installing plants and trees can add new color and texture to a yard, and can also be used as a natural screen or fence to block out any undesirable views. Shrubs generally come in 1, 2, 3 , 5, 7, and 15 gallon sizes, with trees coming in the 7 and 15 gallon sizes. Trees larger than 15 gallons should be installed by a professional, and will usually involve heavy duty equipment. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, while keeping the depth of the hole the same as the height of the root ball. Loosen the roots, and place the plant or tree in the hole, and fill the hole halfway, then water it. Fill up the rest of the hole, and add mulch around the plant to preserve moisture and keep weeds from growing.

To create a nice outdoor area for entertaining, making a patio out of pavers is a good task for the do-it-yourselfer, and more pleasing to the eye than a professionally poured concrete slab. First, remove grass from the area which is easily achieved by renting a sod cutter from a home improvement store. Level out the area, and define the patio's perimeters with plastic edging or treated wood. Spread about 2 inches worth of coarse sand inside the form, and lay down the pavers snuggly against each other. Once all the pavers are in place, spread sand across the top of the patio, and work it into the spaces between the pavers with a broom, and the new patio is complete.

After a nice renovation to a home's exterior and its surroundings, coming home will be a pleasure before the front door is ever opened.

Escapeso Real Estate runs a website dedicated to Austin real estate. Their site has a mls Austin search along with information on current mortgage interest rates.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ki_Gray

Temo Sunrooms Add Elegance To Exterior Home Decor

2008-04-29T03:27:00.003-07:00

Do you want to enjoy the outdoor world caged within interior beauty? Free from mosquitoes, escape from bugs, nasty natural weather conditions and intense harmful UV rays? Then building a Temo sunroom in home exteriors should be your first option. In earlier days Temo sunrooms were built from simple homemade concepts of wood posts and stapled screens to surround the front and back porches for keeping out unwanted elements. But over the years, the concept of Temo sunroom has undergone fast developments and today it comes designed with screened-in-porch systems, roof systems, and advanced thermal window systems. So today Temo sunrooms are the result of an engineering wonder and creative marvel in the construction industry.

Numbered in with various facetted features the temo sunrooms are designed in a way you want to utilize them. For example, you can use it as your living room, sitting room, guest room or your kitchen, but you need to install various features that will be amply evident of its immediate use. With these new features implemented, the temo sunrooms become a far cry from the “box on a house” concept. Therefore the sophisticated look and the advanced features of temo sunrooms are amply evident of its varied usage in contemporary lifestyle.

Features Of Temo Sunrooms

Before you proceed further with your thoughts of building a temo sunroom in your home, you should be amply aware of its outstanding features. The temo sunrooms showcase in itself the wonderful wall and window systems, exclusive roof systems, and unique door systems. To begin with the wall and window system, it has internal weep system that channels the water away from the room. The exclusive indestructible exterior/interior polymer surface prevents any type of denting, scratching, chalking, fading and blocking of UV penetrations to protect the insulations.

The dual vinyl bulb seal very similar to a refrigerator seal is usually located at the top and bottom channel of the walls and windows of the temo sunrooms. This unique feature provides the luxury of making the sunrooms weather-tight and insect-resistant between walls and foundations of the sunroom. A great amount of structural integrity is promised to the sunrooms through the interlocking meeting rail and lift screens structured into the windows. These E-Z lift self-healing, puncture-resistant lift screens are removable from interior for easy window cleaning. The doors of the temo sunrooms come exclusively studded with attractive brass or French handles that add both beauty and durability to the doors. While the deadbolt lock systems provides extra security against intrusions, the welded corners and dual door sweep in the doors promise reinforced commercial strength that provide a extra dimensions of security against weather, insects and unwanted manly intrusions.

Last of all are secrets in the roof systems of the Temo sunrooms. While the standing roof seams provide most effective protection against weather and seasonal expansions, the interlocking tongue-and-groove construction system provides structural integrity, longetivity and overall roof system. The vinyl roof cleat is designed to conceal the interior seam and provide additional seam integrity against harsh weather. The leaf guard protection blocks debris from accumulating and aids in maintenance-free gutter performance of the temo sunrooms.

Types Of Temo Sunrooms

Apart from these exclusive features temo sunrooms also promise the three outstanding Ps- performance, perfection and protection. Each of the temo sunrooms are built of superior materials that come with lifetime warranty. The temo sunrooms come in several styles like the studio rooms, solarium model style. California style and cathedral designs. The studio rooms are one of the popular designs that can adapt to almost any style home or architecture. While the studio style comes with maximum ceiling height it is ideally suited for skylights. The solariums-style temo sunrooms transfer the outdoors to indoors with their state-of-the art designs. They allow maximum exposure to the ecstatic beauty of moon, sun and stars while providing you protection from their harmful aura. The cathedral style temo sunrooms with their traditional design of gables, split-gables and step-down roof designs must be a matter of your choice.

A great advantage of a temo sunroom is that it is customized to fit your home creating a home addition of your dreams. The most popular sizes of temo sunrooms that are available are 10’x8’, 10’x12’, 10’x14’’, 12’x8’, 12’x12, 12x15, 12x20 and 16x20. As per the size of the temo sunrooms, you can increase its incredible flexibility by using it as a spa, entertainment centers, exercise and working centers. The temo sunrooms have designs that help to regulate the temperature of the interior of the sunrooms in all seasons.

Get temo sunrooms in your home to unwind, relax and spend time with your family and friends.

Andrew Caxton is a journalist who has written more articles and newsletters on the subject for http://www.allsunrooms.com .He provides tips and advice about house additions as well as on the TEMO at Temo sunrooms

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Caxton

Four Good Reasons to Consider Vinyl Exterior Shutters

2008-04-29T03:27:00.001-07:00

Exterior Shutters Create Curb Appeal

Have you ever driven by a house and immediately thought it was absolutely gorgeous? A home's curb appeal, or lack there of, will either cause those passing by to admire your home or miss it totally. Curb appeal involves several elements; architectural interest, appealing use of color, and a well executed landscaping plan. In focusing on adding architectural interest to a home, vinyl exterior accent products such as vinyl shutters can transform a home's exterior from ordinary to extraordinary. Shutters can add the missing architectural element needed to create an eye-catching, attractive exterior. Experts advise homeowners wishing to sell their home to create curb appeal and an attractive kitchen. Concentrating on the home's exterior, curb appeal will dramatically increase the chance of a potential buyer stopping by, rather than passing by. A well trimmed home could also bring more money, more quickly.

Personalize Your Home's Exterior

At the same time you are trying to create curb appeal and set yourself apart from your neighbors, you can also be interjecting your personal tastes on your home's exterior. Vinyl shutters by Builders Edge are available in 20 colors, plus paintable units. What's your favorite color?

And with so many shutter styles available you are sure to find one that fits your personal tastes and style. Typically exterior shutters are available with your choice of the traditional louvered style, the colonial raised panel style or the cottage feel of board-n-batten. Do you like a straight top louver, arched top louver or how about a center mullion or no center mullion? Or do you like a paneled shutter? If so, do you tend to prefer a one, two or three paneled style? There are so many ways shutters can add your personal tastes to the exterior of your home.

Shutters are Easy to Install and Maintain

In comparison to their wood or composite counterparts, vinyl exterior shutters are very easy to install and maintain. Installation is fast and easy with the use of matching vinyl screws. Simply drill through the shutter and wall surface, insert the vinyl screw and your done. And unlike wood, vinyl shutters are easy to maintain and care for. Since the color is molded throughout the shutter you save time by skipping any finishing steps, and will never have to sand, repaint or stain. For routine care simply wash with soapy water to keep the shutters looking like new.

Vinyl Shutters are an Affordable Option

Once again, in comparison to their wood or composite counterparts vinyl shutters are very affordably priced, typically two to three times less. Depending on what style and sizes are desired, your home can be given a facelift on a small budget if necessary. And that small investment can in turn pay big divides if you place your home on the market. If your home has a lot of windows another affordable option is to install exterior shutter incrementally. Install shutters on the front of your home first, later install them on the sides and /or back. In conclusion, vinyl shutters are an affordable way to personalize and accent your home, adding curb appeal and value.

About the Author

Lawrence DePippa is the Internet Marketing Manager of Accent Building Products, a leading direct distributor of Builders Edge vinyl exterior shutters, gable vents, door surrounds, and kitchen cabinets. Accent Building Products can be found online at: http://www.accentbuildingproducts.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_DePippa

Getting Your House Ready to Sell - Home Exterior

2008-04-29T03:26:00.004-07:00

Curb appeal is the first impression potential home buyers have of your house. If the outside of the home looks good, people will more than likely want to see what the inside is like. Following are tips for ensuring the outside of your home is attractive for potential home buyers.

Landscaping

Make sure your landscaping is at least average in comparison to other homes in the neighborhood. If it isn't, buy a few bushes and plant them. Don't worry about investing in trees or expensive landscaping propositions. Planting immature trees does not add much to the value of a home and you are not likely to get your investment back. Consider planting some flowers to add color (no bulbs or seeds since they won't grow in time to show the house).

Keep your lawn evenly cut and edged, well-watered and free of brown spots. Fix any problem areas before working on the inside of your house to allow these areas some time to grow. Rake up loose leaves and grass cuttings.

Home Exterior

To paint or not to paint? Take a look at your house from across the street. Does it look tired or faded? If so, it may be wise to paint and spruce up the appearance of the house. You are likely to receive your investment back. If you opt to paint, be sure to pick a color that fits well within the neighborhood. If you opt not to paint, consider washing the exterior of the house. Clean the windows inside and out and remember to check the gutters and chimney.

Roof

If you know your roof leaks, repair it. If you don't repair it, you will have to disclose this information to the buyer who will want a new roof. Roof issues may potentially come up during the inspection as well.

Backyard

Make sure your backyard is tidy. Keep the kids toys cleaned up. If the lot size is small, you may consider removing swing sets or forts to give it the appearance of being more spacious. If you have pets, be sure the lawn is constantly clear of "debris." If you have a pool or spa, keep is well-maintained and constantly clean.

Front Door

The front door is the entryway into the home. Refinish or repaint the door as needed and ensure the door fixture stays polished.

Driveway

Keep your driveway clean and clear. Store RVs or old cars elsewhere while the house is on the market. Consider re-sealing an asphalt driveway.

Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com at http://www.myguidesusa.com, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life's major events. Whether you're planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you'll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.

Find tips and resources for buying and selling a home at http://buyingandsellingahome.myguidesusa.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hilary_Basile

Functional Exterior Shutters - A Good Investment For Your Home

2008-04-29T03:26:00.003-07:00

Functional exterior shutters can be a great investment in your home. For starters, they add curb appeal and boost your home's value. Furthermore, the fact that they are functional provides critical storm protection for your home, which can be especially important if you live in an area that is prone to hurricanes. When purchasing and installing functional exterior shutters, there are a lot of important considerations that must be taken into account. The following article contains a checklist of questions that homeowners should ask themselves before investing in functional exterior shutters.

Is hurricane protection a consideration?

If you answered no to this question, then you can skip right on to the next question. If you answered yes, then you'll need to do some homework before purchasing shutters. First, contact your local building department to inquire about building codes and/or product approvals that are applicable to your area. A local building department may also be able to guide you toward a good installer, too. Look for shutters that have received Miami-Dade County Product Approval. This approval is considered to be the highest standard in the industry for shutters and other hurricane protection products.

What type of functional shutters are you installing (material and style)?

There are many different types of functional exterior shutters on the market today. The most common material for functional shutters is wood. Types of wood can vary, though cedar is a common choice because it weathers quite well. There are many different styles of shutters on the market. What you choose depends on the size and style of your windows and architectural elements of your home. Exterior shutters play a big role in your home's appearance and curb appeal. Be sure you take time to choose something that suits your tastes and compliments your home's architecture.

What type of hardware will be used in the installation?

Functional shutters require hardware, including hinges, pintels, tie backs, and hook latches and or center slide latches. The quality of hardware you choose is closely related to how much you want to spend. Steel hardware is by far the most common choice. There are two types of steel hardware to choose from: carbon steel and stainless steel. Carbon steel is economical; however, it will rust, particularly in salty, coastal areas. Stainless steel hardware will not rust and is a much better choice, although it is also much more expensive. Not sure if what you're looking at is carbon or stainless? Check it with a magnet. Carbon steel is ferrous, and therefore magnetic, whereas stainless steel is not. If you do choose carbon steel hardware, be sure is it covered with a durable powder coat painted finish, as this will delay the rusting process.

Aluminum shutter hardware is also available, though it is not as common. If hurricane protection is a consideration, then aluminum hardware is probably not the best choice.

Remember, functional shutters are a homeowner's first line of defense against hurricane damage. When a window is broken in a hurricane, the high speed winds enter the home and put enormous pressure on the interior walls and roof. In most cases, when a home collapses or a roof is torn off, it's usually because a window was blown out first. Functional exterior shutters (whether or not they have been approved by Florida Building Code or Miami-Dade County Building Code) are an excellent investment in protecting your home and your life.

Many insurance companies now offer reduced premiums and discounts on deductibles for homes with functional exterior shutters. Be sure to check with your insurance company before purchasing and installing shutters to find out if you qualify.

Ellen Bell works for Home Products n' More, a company dedicated to providing high quality products for your home, garden, and auto. Home Products n' More offers exterior shutter hardware, including a complete line of all stainless steel shutter hardware, all with free shipping and handling. Visit us at http://www.homeproductsnmore.com/Shutter_Hinges_s/109.htm

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellen_Bell

Sealing the Exterior Brick of Your Home

2008-04-29T03:26:00.001-07:00

Brick Home Basics

Brick homes built prior to the 1920s are true brick homes. That is, their exterior walls are 3-4 courses of brick thick and provide the load bearing structure of the house. Homes of more recent vintage are actually of wood construction and the brick is just a single layer facade. The brick is held away from the wood construction by a 1" gap to prevent the porous brick from touching and damaging the wood structure.

Water Penetration into the Home

Brick and mortar are porous materials that quickly absorb water into them when it rains. The water gets into the brick and goes in several directions. The first direction is downward. The force of gravity causes the water to flow down. Your home should have gaps in the mortar several courses above the soil to allow this water out. Some masons will also put in a cotton cord in these gaps to let the water out. It is possible for the water to enter cracks in the foundation and show up as leaks in the basement. Or water can leak around windows and doors at it flows downward.

The second direction is inward towards the house. The brick absorbs the water from rain and if enough gets into it, the liquid water can migrate to the inside surface of the brick. If there is no gap between the brick and wood structure, it is possible for the water to damage the home by causing rot and providing insects a home.

Until the brick dries out after the rain has stopped, it is continually releasing water vapor into the home. This water vapor can also damage the structure of the home.

Sealing the Brick

Sealing the brick prevents water penetrating into it. When it rains, water will be repelled and stay out of the brick. But be sure to get the right kind of sealer. Many brick sealers are designed for patios or the interior of a home. These are not the types you want for your brick walls. Many of these have a gloss finish and sit on the surface of the brick.

A homeowner wants a non-gloss finish so that the home doesn't look like it glows in the daylight. The sealer also needs to be breathable to let out any water vapor coming out from the house.

Siloxane brick sealers penetrate up to a 1/4" below the surface of the brick. Once they are applied they are invisible to the viewer. The siloxane works by filling the microscopic pores of the brick and forming a hydrophobic barrier against water. After curing the barrier is invisible to the eye and will not yellow from UV rays. The texture of the brick will be the same as before the sealing process. Any water vapor coming out of the home's interior will still get vented. This will prevent any spalling to the brick caused by water being trapped inside and freezing in the winter.

Applying the Brick Sealer

Application of siloxane brick sealer with a pump-up garden sprayer is a fast and easy process. Begin at the bottom of the wall to prevent streaking. Be sure to read the manufacturers instructions carefully. The sealer will not harm plants but any that gets onto metal or glass should be cleaned immediately with soap and water.

This article is written by Aaron Kuertz with Applied Technologies. Aaron has been in the waterproofing industry since 1998. Applied Technologies is a manufacturer and supplier to professional waterproofing contractors and homeowners in the United States. Please visit them at http://www.appliedtechnologies.com/pages/content/masonry_brick_sealer.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aaron_Kuertz

Renovating The Exterior of Your Home the Easy Way

2008-04-29T03:25:00.003-07:00

While many people do minor repairs and interior remodeling jobs, they often hesitate about doing exterior remodeling or renovating. There's not really a big difference between the interior and exterior of your home except for the size of the DIY jobs.

Most of the time when homeowners choose to remodel their home, there is something on the outside that needs to be done. If you allow yourself enough time, you can look for great deals on many of the supplies you're going to need. Some of the exterior jobs that may need to be done are gutters, siding, windows and window trims or perhaps adding a patio or deck to your home.

If you plan ahead, you can not only save money but also get yourself organized, whether this means getting the time off from work or arranging for the rental of some of the tools you'll need for the job. You'll be spending enough on the supplies, so you won't want to have to buy tools as well, especially when you can rent them for a fraction of the cost.

If purchasing new siding is not quite in your budget this year, repainting your home is a great DIY job that will brighten and spruce up your home. Again, planning is very important. You may have to prepare the siding for painting such as sanding old paint off or washing the home. Some people don't understand the logic of washing if it's going to be repainted. It's the best way to give it a professional look. If your home is tall and needs ladders and scaffolding, doing one section at a time will save you a lot of time and energy. Many make the mistake of trying to get the whole house done at one time. You'll find working in sections at a time not only is easier but also makes you feel you accomplished more at the end of each day.

If you are going with new siding and windows, you may want to hire a professional if you have no experience in this type of work. However, many books and online sites have step-by-step guides for the DIY jobs. The stores where you buy your supplies (siding, windows, roofing, etc.) may also be able to give you many much-needed tips. If you're lucky, you have a friend or family member knowledgeable in home renovations that are willing to help you. You will save a fortune on labor costs!

Rob Carlton regularly edits newsletters on things associated with compressor designs. His articles on air compressor cooling systems can be discovered on http://www.insidewoodworking.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robert_J._Carlton

Home Selling Advice: Create a Great Exterior First Impression

2008-04-29T03:25:00.001-07:00

If you're going to get buyers to look inside your home, you've got to create an eye-catching first impression on the outside. If the outside isn't appealing, buyers will often skip the opportunity to see what's inside, so it's vital to make your home's exterior entice potential buyers to check out what's inside. If you want a quick sale for full market value, here's some home selling advice.

First, get rid of all clutter, which includes bicycles, skateboards, balls, roller skates, garden tools, or any of the many other things that tend to get left out in the yard at the end of the day. Buyers who see excessive clutter on the outside tend to think the inside of the home will look the same. It doesn't have to make sense--that's just the way it is.

Walk around the perimeter of the house and make sure that none of the gutters sag or are broken in any way. This can make a home look run-down and shabby. If the garbage cans are in sight from the street, move them to another location. Anything you see lying on the ground that shouldn't be there should be picked up and taken care of.

Make sure the lawn and shrubbery looks neatly trimmed and well maintained. That creates a sense of stability and shows that you care about your home's appearance. don't let shrubs grown higher than the bottom of window sills. It creates a negative appearance, and doesn't allow buyers to see the size of the windows themselves.

Keep the sidewalk clean and free of debris. It creates an inviting atmosphere, and beckons buyers to approach the house. Make sure all the windows are clean, as well, because it gives the home the appearance of being well maintained and bright.

The front entrance should be inviting, and the front door should be clean and freshly painted. It's also nice to have an attractive welcome mat in front of the door. They're all homey touches that encourage people to come inside for a closer look.

If there are pots and planters on the back patio, remove them, unless they contain spectacular plants that add to the overall ambience and charm of the space. Otherwise, they'll look like clutter, which is never desirable.

Real estate agents know too well the value of a home's inviting exterior. They know that if buyers don't like the outside, they may not want to see the inside. Agents' home selling advice always includes the basic exterior cleanup. Therefore, it's crucial that you make the exterior of your home as inviting as possible if you want a quicker sale.

If you want a quick home sale for top dollar, explore free home staging advice. Jeanette Fisher, interior design instructor, helps home sellers with color psychology to make their homes more saleable. Jeanette Fisher, author of interior design, real estate investing, and home staging books teaches home sellers five ways to get more money from their home sale. http://sellfast.info/home_selling_articles.htm Free home seller's reports Sell Home Fast

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeanette_Joy_Fisher