I just finished working on my front area a bit (still going to be adding flowers/greenery on the tiers either side of the stairs going up to the front door) and am now wondering if it is too much for selling? I don't know yet if we are selling - will know by next week - but if I was would you simplify and how?
Is it possible to have some of the concrete cut off and removed. I think there is too much patio at your front porch, it has an awkward feel. Didn't you mention painting or tiling the concrete? What is your plan?
Posts: 2401 | Location: Southern CA (Southbay) | Registered: Nov 08, 2005
I love design so happened to see the detailed advice you received on the Decorating Board earlier today. For staging purposes, I concur with that plan.
No offense - when I saw your photos, I thought someone was setting up for a plant or flower sale. You want potential buyers to only have eyes for your home. That's what you're selling.
Don't really see the stairs you mentioned. I wouldn't add any additional accessories over and above what was suggested on the other thread, if I had listed this home. Might change my mind on that, if you forward another photo with more of the yard and stairs.
Stained concrete sounds nice. I also concur with the previous advice (other thread) to work on the overall curb appeal.
Best Wishes!This message has been edited. Last edited by: SurfNow,
I love it! Great job! Only thing I might modify is the table (?) to the left of the front door - maybe just a "little too much stuff" as people approach the front door. But, over-all, a great job to make the front of your home as welcoming as I am sure the interior is!
PS. You have done a great job making the angular lines of the house seem much more friendly and cozy than that type of architectural usually implies - good for you!This message has been edited. Last edited by: Idaho Resident,
IMHO the grass/lawn abutting the patio should be "edged"; aka crisp line of demarkation. The entry area is too busy....less is more! Also red & white (summer) seat cushions not only clash with orange pumpkins and fall mums, the seasonal transition is confusing... Although Summer is almost over, it's too early for pumpkins! But what do I know, I haven't replaced the spring/summer seasonal wreath on my front door......This message has been edited. Last edited by: tessa89,
Posts: 5016 | Location: NE of S.F. | Registered: Apr 13, 2006
Nice fall scene but not optimal for selling and/or staging, IMHO. It's way too much and distracts from the product - your home. Less is more for staging purposes.
Agree that the colors clash and focus s/b on curb appeal.
I think it looks great, but I'd still clear one side of the porch if I were selling. Remember, there'll probably be at least three people (the realtor and the buyers) approaching your front door at the same time, and you don't want to give a crowded impression.
Posts: 1324 | Location: Minnesota | Registered: Nov 28, 2004
I also think (for what it is worth), removing some of the smaller items and plants would be helpful. I like the idea of the bench near the front door, but I would leave it empty. Handy place for realtor to set purse/notebook/bag, while fumbling with the lock box?
Not a big fan of the wreath on the door. Often these can get in the way when people are passing through the door. The door looks nice on it's own. Perhaps a second larger mat before the step up, to make people aware of that concrete step? Open and welcoming entry is what works for me.
I believe in the power of threes - no more than 3 items on either side. I agree with previous posters that there might be a bit too many little things, and you will have a few people standing on the steps to get in, so less is more...... Good luck!
IMO, I am afraid that what most prospective buyers will focus on is the bad condition of the concrete; pretty mums, notwithstanding.
I do marketing for a realtor in my area. Part of my job is to tour homes, from the vantage point of the buyer, and then write up the home in flyers, agent remarks and virtual tours. First impressions are everything. If I notice a less than appealing entry, imagine what a buyer thinks.
If in your situation, I'd worry less about staging the front and instead focus on repairing/removing the concrete. Unfortunately, some prospective buyers might see this as an indication that there may be other maintenance issues in your home, whether that's true or not.
There is a great Concrete stain sold by Sherwin Williams. It involves just a power wash and acid etch liquid. Then you apply it like a paint, but it does not peel like paint, it may eventually wear away in heavily used spots. You can get a base color, and ask for some more tint in a little jar, then mix up two or three colors from your base...and paint/sponge or splatter the secondary colors to create a more natural blend.
Clean and paint your contrete the darker beige trim that is on the house. Get propert cleaning instructions..and use the correct paint as the wrong choice will cause maintenance problems.
Really, really...paint on exterior flat concrete does not last! Use a solid color concrete stain...looks and applies like paint but won't peel like paint!
Maybe stain is better, however we painted my fathers driveway with a special driveway paint in a Terracotta color that turned out gorgeous and no peeling or problems.
Originally posted by real estate lady: Maybe stain is better, however we painted my fathers driveway with a special driveway paint in a Terracotta color that turned out gorgeous and no peeling or problems.
There are certainly paints for nearly every surface (including epoxy types), and I was just responding to anyone who is thinking about painting exterior flat concrete who also lives in a freeze/thaw climate. Even the pro companies here will only guarantee their garage floor paint jobs for three years or less. Then the peeling starts. What a mess. At least the stain can be touched up if it wears away.
Friends painted their tennis court (south Texas) with road marking paint. They had their choice of yellow, white or blue. It was blue with white lines.
As you can see, large areas of the concrete are in very rough shape, with significant gouging. Paint or stain is not enough. Some serious concrete patching will have to be done. I only point this out, because as it stands now, the concrete is an eyesore and potentially a trip hazard, IMO.
I think I would hire a cutter and just cut away some of it, add more plantings, can't cost too much. But then again, I've been surprised at some prices.
Posts: 2401 | Location: Southern CA (Southbay) | Registered: Nov 08, 2005
I kind of like it. Gives off a very approachable and relaxing appeal. Maybe the stone should be stained. new homes oklahoma cityThis message has been edited. Last edited by: writerlilly,
Okay guys you gotta look at the link on the decorating board. I'm with Miescha now about taking up the concrete..or some of it. I would paint the brick entry or paint the house terricotta color to match the brick.
Wow - you all kept going on me! Actually, I agree with most of you and removed everything from the front porch except the wicker patio chairs and table. Add a nice big front mat.
The concrete - yes, I know it looks horrible. That was due to throwing too much ice melt on it the first year we were here - a warning to everyone else using ice melt! Concrete replacement is crazy expensive. Not sure what we will do yet. This house will hit market first part of March. Unfortunately, what you don't see is all the remodeling and work we've done to the place. Out here in rural Colorado you are really buying the land and barns, not so much the house - if that makes any sense. Anyway, just perspective on where we are located. Some things just have to be. We'll see.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: tessa89, 
