Or Just Get Ready for Some Spring-Cleaning Fun 

The snowbirds and crocuses are here so that means one thing – spring has arrived in the Comox Valley.

Despite the somewhat chilly weather so far, with its longer, brighter days spring marks one of the best times of year to sell a home. And even if you aren’t thinking of listing any time soon, it’s still a great time to refresh and renew.

So, what better way to revitalize your home than by sprucing up your curb appeal and tackling some spring cleaning? By combining these two tasks, you can make your home look its best and increase its value.

But before you begin any interior cleaning or exterior improvements, it’s important to have a plan. Take a walk around your home and property and note any areas that need particular attention. Consider what you can do to improve the overall appearance of your place, then make a list of tasks to tackle.

Once you’ve done that, you can get down to work. Here are some tips and approaches to help you get started.

Concentrate on Cleaning First

Spring is the perfect time to deep clean, declutter, get organized and address those repair projects that you’ve been putting off all winter. Seasonal cleaning is an important part of maintaining your home’s appearance and value. By setting aside time to focus on your property throughout the year, it’s easier to stay on top of maintenance and repair issues.

Set Realistic Goals

Before you start your spring cleaning, take the time to set realistic goals for yourself. Make a list of the rooms and areas of your home that need attention and prioritize them based on their level of importance. Keep in mind that it’s better to focus on a few areas at a time rather than trying to tackle your entire home in one day.

Declutter First

Decluttering is an essential part of spring cleaning. Before you start cleaning, go through each room and remove any items that you no longer need or want. Donate or sell any items that are in good condition; dispose of anything that is broken or no longer useful. This will not only make your home look and feel more organized but also make the cleaning process easier.

Organize Your Spaces

Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to organize. This can include reorganizing your closet, adding shelves to your pantry or investing in storage containers to keep your items organized. By creating a designated space for everything, keeping your home tidy and orderly throughout the year becomes easier.

Start Cleaning

With decluttering and organizing done, the cleaning can commence. Begin with areas that require the most attention, such as the kitchen and bathroom. Use natural and nontoxic cleaning products, and make sure to clean every nook and cranny.

Tackle Your Floors and Windows

Floors are often the most overlooked part of a home, but they’re also the most used. Start by vacuuming and sweeping floors to remove any dirt and debris. Then, use a steam mop or a deep cleaner to give them a thorough cleaning. For your windows, make a mixture of water and vinegar to clean them and use a microfiber cloth or newspaper to prevent streaks. Don’t overlook your sills and tracks, as they can often accumulate dirt and debris.

Finish With the Details

Don’t forget to attend to the smaller details as well, such as dusting your blinds and light fixtures, wiping down your baseboards and cleaning your ceiling fans. These details may seem insignificant, but they can add up and make a difference in the overall appearance of your home.

Now that your home is clean and clutter-free, it’s time to focus on curb appeal.

Take it Outside – Focus on Curb Appeal

If you’re thinking of selling your home, know that first impressions are everything. Potential buyers will form an opinion of your home before they even set foot inside. This is where curb appeal comes in. A well-maintained and attractive exterior can make a big difference in the sale of your home.

A study by the University of Texas notes that improving curb appeal can increase a home’s value by 7 to 14 percent. Other studies show homes with good curb appeal sell up to 50 percent faster than those with poor curb appeal – meaning investing time and money in improving your home’s exterior can actually save you time in the long run. Even if you aren’t selling your home and concerned with getting more value and saving time, a nice-looking property benefits your neighbours and general neighbourhood aesthetics.

Improving the curb appeal of your home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Following are several simple and inexpensive ways to make your home’s exterior more attractive.

Start with a Clean Slate

The first step in improving your home’s curb appeal is to start with a clean slate. This means removing any clutter, debris or unsightly items from the exterior of your home. Old  garden furniture, broken tools or overgrown weeds detract from the appearance of your home. By removing these items and giving the surroundings a good cleaning, you can create a more attractive and welcoming exterior.

Paint Your Front Door

Your front door is one of the first things that potential buyers will notice about your home, so it's important to make it look its best. Painting your front door is a simple and affordable way to give your home an instant facelift. Choose a color that complements the color scheme of your home and adds a pop of personality to your exterior.

Add Some Greenery

Adding some greenery to your home’s exterior is another way to perk up its appearance. Whether it’s planting some flowers in a front garden bed or popping some potted plants on a front porch, greenery adds a touch of life and color to any area. Best to choose plants that are easy to maintain.

Upgrade Your Lighting

Consider upgrading your outdoor lighting with fixtures that are modern and energy-efficient and complement your home’s look. Outdoor lighting can also add an extra layer of security to a home.

Spruce Up Your Landscaping

Landscaping is one of the most important elements of curb appeal. Adding some fresh mulch to your garden beds, trimming back overgrown shrubs and planting some new bushes can take your yard from “meh” to “Yeah!”

Repair Your Driveway

Your driveway is one of the first things potential buyers will see when they pull up to your home, so make sure it’s in good condition. If your driveway is cracked or has other damage, consider having it repaired or replaced before putting your home on the market as you’ll see return on that investment.

Looking for other affordable ideas to boost your curb appeal? Try these suggestions:

• Add some window boxes or hanging planters
• Install a new mailbox
• Repaint your exterior trim and shutters
• Install new house numbers
• Power wash your home’s exterior
• Add a new welcome mat
• Add a pop of color with new outdoor pillows or cushions
• Install new hardware on your front door
• Add a bench or seating area
• Add a water feature, such as a fountain or birdbath, to your front yard.

Whether you’re planning to put your house on the market or simply looking to revive your living space, sprucing up your curb appeal and tackling some spring cleaning is an excellent way to give your home a fresh, new vibe.

With a little bit of effort and some strategic planning, you can create a home that looks and feels welcoming, inviting and full of life. Why not start today?

As always, if you should have any questions about buying and selling real estate or enjoying life in the Comox Valley, contact me, visit my website or check out my Facebook page.