Wooden Porch Swing - Supply Instant Curb Appeal When Selling Your Home
By Cathie Terry
Can a wooden porch swing make the difference in selling a house during this undeniable real estate slump? Unless you live in one of the very few prime areas where properties have held their value, you’re probably going to have a tough time. The way to get buyers’ attention is to make your place look not just good, not just great, but remarkable. You need to add that something extra that distinguishes a house from a home. It’s called curb appeal, and it’s what makes a potential buyer widen their eyes and say, “Wow!”
Curb appeal encompasses everything a person sees when they drive by or approach a property: the paint or siding, the windows, and the landscaping. These things all come together to produce the appeal, a voice that shouts out, “Welcome!” Some of these areas are not readily altered, but you can do some really simple things to make a definite difference. Your aim is to create that inviting mood, and it’s easy to do.
Any home naturally looks more inviting if there’s an obvious place to sit for a spell. If you’re fortunate enough to have an ample porch, why not add a swing? With affordable prices and a variety of porch swings to choose from it is an easy addition to your outdoor decor. This timeless accessory has always meant casual conversation with loved ones on pleasant evenings or even under the protection of the porch roof on rainy days. The classic wooden swing will draw potential buyers to your home with its wholesome magnetism.
Flowers in containers also go a long way in setting your house apart. Window boxes express a homey feeling with their color, texture, and old-fashioned appeal, and simply because they’re proof that somebody loves living there. Depending on the home’s style, you can go for any look from formal to cottage to something very simple, say petunias in just one color chosen to coordinate with the front door or other trim. Set a bench on the porch next to a container of cheerful flowers for an easy curb appeal boost.
If you don’t have the space on the porch, you can put a bench or stand swing on a level spot in the yard to accent plantings or just to create the inviting scene that you need. Picture a white Polywood swing flanked by robust hydrangeas-the combination of blue and white is simple yet visually stunning. It’s especially pertinent in a seaside setting, where hydrangeas are de rigeur, and the tough, synthetic Polywood resists damage from salt air and relentless sun. It’s also very heavy and will shrug off sea breezes that can topple pieces of less substance.
So, head outside now, take a step back from that “For Sale” sign, and imagine a picture of your home with its drive-by appeal turned up a couple of notches. Envision a wooden porch swing with a fresh coat of teak oil, shining in the dappled light. Picture it-and then make it happen. It’ll be the cherry on top that could turn a house hunter’s maybe into an “I’ve got to have it!”
Avid gardener, Cathie Terry, is an authority on all types of garden furniture, from classic wooden porch swings to garden benches and provides visitors to her web site with detailed information to assist them in their purchases. Discover the 7 Things You Need To Know Before Buying Garden Furniture in her Free Buying Guide Report.
Visit Benches2Swings.com to learn more on adding outdoor garden furniture to enhance your great outdoors.