Dave Harbison's Long Beach CA Real Estate Update: It's Spring. Time to Address Your Curb Appeal and Landscaping

Although the nation has experienced unusually warm winter, we in Long Beach have had quite a chilly few months.  There were a few warm days from January through March, but on the whole, it was colder than in past years.

Now that the weather is starting to warm up, it's time to do a little spring cleaning.  Not only inside your home, but outside too.

Here are a few things you may want to consider doing this spring to the outside of your home.

1. CLEAN UP THE WINTER MESS
   
   Put a day or two aside on the weekend to clean up your yard and garage prior to even thinking about addressing your lawn and landscaping vision.  Trim back any trees, shrubs and other plants that have grown unruly during the past 4 months.  Start with a clean slate before you tackle the tough stuff...
2. PUT TOGETHER A VISION AND ACTION PLAN
   
   Like many, I like to dive-in and get my hands dirty right away when it comes to making the landscaping and appeal of my home the best it can be.  But, going at it without some sort of plan is costly in both dollars and sense.  Before you do anything, plan out your vision.  Know what you will need from patio furniture, to shrubbery, flowers and plants.  Don't be afraid to develope a whole design theme for the outside of your home.  And always search out the best deals so that you can rest assured your big (and small) landscaping projects are cost effective and up to your standards. 
3. IT'S THE SMALL THINGS YOU DO THAT CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
   
   Things are still tight out there.  So, if you are on a budget is small but your vision for your lawn and landscaping is quite large, look to the simple fixes first.  Ones that may take a bit more time but not as much expense.  Like trimming bushes and hedges, planting seasonal plants, painting the fence or outdoor fixtures.  Taking a little more time can be a major cost saver.
4. DON'T TRY TO DO TOO MUCH YOURSELF
   
   DIYers are great.  I consider myself one.  However, trying to cut corners on the big projects can end up costing you a lot more money and time.  Look to the professionals to do the jobs you don't have the time or tools to accomplish.  Things like re-sodding, mulching, cutting and exterior painting are two examples.  Remember, time is money...even on the weekends.  There's nothing wrong about being confident in your abilities.  But being wise is also a valued asset.

--- Dave Harbison Long Beach REALTOR® Main Street Realtors (562) 618-9770 --- Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties Long Beach Relocation Expert ---

Labels: Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, Bush, Cleaning, Craftsman, Curb Appeal, Long Beach, Painting, Park Estates, Sod, Spring, Trim