PAGE 6 LIFE.STYLE.HOMES THE DISPATCH Landscape Curb Appeal Equals More Green For You It doesn’t matter if you live in a mansion or a modest bungalow; the benefits of landscaping are the same across the board. If you go the professional route, landscaping can add between twenty and fifty thousand dollars to the value of your home. Experience has shown that homes with greater curb appeal tend to sell faster and for an average of 10 percent more than a home without any real curb appeal. “We also see that homes with attractive landscaping have a faster appreciation than homes without,” said Sheila Dodson, Coastal Association of Realtors (CAR) executive. “While items in the home like televisions and furniture depreciate over time, your landscaping is the exact opposite. Newly installed landscape starts appreciating as soon as it goes in. For example, a tree that cost $100 today will be worth $500 to $600 five years from now.” “Curb appeal is everything,” said Bernie Flax, CAR member and Realtor with Prudential PenFed Realty. “And now that more and more people are using the web to look at properties instead of getting in their car and driving by, the photographs you take of your home to post online can make the difference between a prospective buyer making a visit or clicking to the next property.” Flax suggests taking at least 20 photos to create a virtual tour of your home so people aren’t left to wonder about any room or piece of your property. The photos must reflect what the real home has to offer. Simple solutions like installing a working doorbell, power washing the outside of your home and garage, re-seeding your yard and simply placing a planter and welcome mat on your front porch can go a long way and attract people to take the next step and tour the home in-person. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes: Get in your car and drive by your home during the day and night. Check your roof: Are you missing shingles or is the roof dirty or streaked? Check your numbers: If your house numbers aren’t easy to see or of they are dirty, consider replacing them. Get a second opinion: It never hurts to have a fresh set of eyes review your property Pressure wash the siding, deck, oil-stained driveway and faded walkways Add a fresh coat of paint: Paint is only about $25 per gallon. Add a fresh coat to the front door, trim and shutters for a polished look. Some Simple Tips Curb appeal starts online: Good photos are critical to getting people to the front door. Overcast days are often the best time for a photo shoot. Debbie Bennington Cell: 410-603-8065 Email: debbennington@hotmail.com 11001 Manklin Meadows Lane Ocean Pines, MD 21811 Office: 410-208-3500 The Parke at Ocean Pines Premier Plus 55 Community Just inside the South Gate of Ocean Pines, minutes from the beaches of OC, The Parke features its own Private Clubhouse/Community Center with Indoor Pool, Fitness Room, Library and Numerous Clubs and Activities, PLUS all the amenities that Ocean Pines already offers. OCEAN PINES Gorgeous 3BR/2.5BA brick front rancher nestled on private lot. Cathedral ceilings, wide custom crown molding, hardwood floors, Anderson Windows, Wood Custom Doors, Chef Style Kitchen, 4-Season Sunroom, Deck with Holland Grill hooked up to gas, heated/aired Garage, Upgraded Crawl Space with Dehumidifiers. One level living at its finest! $265,000 EASTON AVENUE Drastic Price Reduction and Move In Ready! 3BR/2BA Egret floor plan conveniently located on corner lot with multiple windows to lighten up your day! Upgraded conditioned crawl space. $228,000 BURLINGTON COURT Wonderful 3BR/3BA Villa home nestled on secluded wooded cul de sac lot. 1st floor has all the living area you will ever need. 2nd floor loft, bedroom, bath is great for family and friends. $229,000 FORT SUMTER Spectacular Model Egret Home! 3BR/3BA. Tons of custom features - cathedral ceilings, bay window, stunning window treatments, tile backsplash, double fireplace, hardscape patio and more! $245,000 CHATHAM COURT Absolutely gorgeous Osprey Model located in one of the most private lots. 4BR/3BA, loft, large sunroom leading to private deck with awning to enjoy its secluded and serene setting. $279,900 WHITE HORSE PARK Your Beach Resort Cottage awaits you in this gated community, with pool and marina, only minutes to beaches of OC or Assateague Bay. Gorgeous home boasts 2BR/1BA, cathedral ceilings, fireplace, eat in gourmet style kitchen, private patio with retractable awning and oversized shed for your beach and golf items. Ready to enjoy now! $135,000 NEWPORT HILLS Look no further your heavenly oasis awaits you! Beautifully landscaped 3BR/2BA single family home located on half acre lot in Berlin with NO HOA FEES AND NO CITY TAX! 1-car garage, shed, outdoor deck, hardscape patio and walkway, sun-filled ceramic tiled sunroom, all nestled on a very private setting surrounded by all forms of nature. $249,900 TERNS LANDING Views to OC Skyline! 3BR/2.5BA home features great 3-season room with glass windows built in 2010, sunny deck, boat dock with 10k lb lift and jet ski davit. So much updated including 15 Seer 2 zone heat pump and roof. Oversized garage with storage. Outdoor shower. Propane heat 1st floor and master bedroom. $520,000 HAMBLIN TRUITT DRASTIC PRICE REDUCTION! The one you have been waiting to own! Gorgeous 3BR/2.5BA home located on oversized corner lot with huge fenced backyard, chef designed kitchen with upgraded cabinets and stainless appliances, formal dining room, custom paint. Great location minutes from beaches and Salisbury shopping. $199,999 POINTS REACH Luxury 3BR/2BA condo boasts hardwood flooring from entrance throughout living areas, Chef Style Kitchen, gas fireplace overlooking spectacular view of creek, breakfast bar, marble vanities/flooring in baths, jetted tub in Master bath, Crown moulding, Designer Window treatments, Viking Gas Grill on balcony, Geothermal Heat and more. $349,000 CAPE ISLE OF WIGHT Watch the OC Skyline Sunrise in this Stunning Waterfront 6BR home located on corner lot in sought after West OC. 3 levels of spectacular waterfront living. Private dock with deep water canal and fast access to bay. Walk out basement level with access to garage and canal dock, tons of room for storage. Beautifully furnished for Summer Enjoyment. $559,000 © 2013 BRER Affiliates Inc. An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity. Prudential-PenFed Realty is an independently owned and operated member of BRER Affiliates, Inc. PenFed membership is not required to conduct business with Prudential-PenFed Realty.