CityView Magazine

60 | May/June 2016 From the outside...in A s the saying goes, "You only get one chance at a first impression," and in the real estate game that idea translates into two words: curb appeal. An inviting view and a well- maintained lawn can get potential buyers in the door, but even if you're not selling, how does your house make you feel? Do you feel at home, or do you have some more work to do? With a little planning, your outdoor space can deliver some serious impact, and really make it feel like your house is your home. An Appetite for Curbing If the sun is out, Shani Gates is somewhere around town with her truck loaded up with raw materials for curbing. Aer her frustration with the garden edging products on the mar- ket—plastic didn't hold, metal was downright dangerous and other options meant more work than reward—Gates looked around for a company offering concrete curbing, which was common in her hometown in Washington State. When she couldn't find what she was looking for twelve years ago, she created Curbing Creations. For years, Gates worked as an interior designer, but she re- alized how clean lines could transform yards, creating easier ways to mow and trim which could free up her customer's weekends. She taught herself how to mix and pour the curb- ing and went door-to-door convincing other residents to give it a try. Of course curves and shapes depend on each individual homeowner's lawn. Colors and styles can be selected to com- pliment existing elements of the house or the yard. e end result for curbing: a perfect combination of appearance and utility. "Women typically like the look; men like the utility," Gates said. "It does exactly what it's supposed to by keeping the mulch in and the grass out. Plus it looks great. It really cre- ates an overall look that's more than curbing—it changes the whole house." Increasingly, she's getting requests from people who want to put their house on the market. Gates said that curbing helps sell houses. It organizes the yard, which helps poten- tial buyers envision the possibilities instead of feeling over- whelmed by looking at a hard-to-maintain yard. "Right now, buyers can be as picky as they want. It's defi- nitely a buyer's market," Gates said. To enhance curb appeal, Gates recommends adding a 1/8" layer of topical glaze to existing concrete to spruce up drive- ways and sidewalks. With several coloring and style options, this simple application can breathe new life into porches and other outdoor spaces. And the best part is adding sealer every few years keeps everything looking brand new. On creating living spaces so inviting, you may re-consider selling BY MELISSA GOSLIN AND ERIN PESUT Photo by Rachael Santillan feature

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