August is National Curb Appeal Month, dedicated to helping homeowners focus on ways to add value and design appeal to their home's exterior.

"Real estate agents tell us that potential home buyers make a 'street decision' in less than 12 seconds on whether or not to view a home that's for sale," says Niki Decker, senior manager of product and marketing for Fypon, creator of National Curb Appeal Month. "That's a very short time to make a large impression and it all relies on the curb appeal of the house.

"Different curb appeal elements, such as well-maintained shrubbery, decorative millwork and trim, colorful plants and an appealing front entryway can have a fast, positive impact on home buyers. Even if your home is not for sale, curb appeal is important in setting a welcoming tone for your family and visitors."

According to the 2014 Cost vs. Value Study conducted by Remodeling magazine, many products added to the home have a high return-on-investment at the time of a home sale. Adding energy-efficient vinyl windows as a mid-range project to a home can have a cost recoup value of 78.7 percent, while the addition of vinyl siding can have 78.2 percent recoup rate.

The same study reports that the replacement of an easy-care fiberglass entry door can have 70.8 percent of the cost recouped, while a new roof on the home has a 67.6 percent cost recoup. A recent study from the National Association of Home Builders reports that the three most wanted outdoor features consumers desire for their home exteriors are lighting, a patio and a front porch.

"Whether you're adding a new component to the home's exterior or 'sprucing up' existing elements, color plays a major role in creating curb appeal," says Kate Smith, president of Sensational Color. "Adding color to the home exterior should be done in a 'top-down' approach so there's a unified flow that creates an overall pleasing impression.

Source: Fypon