IDEAS TO IMPROVE

from March/April 2020 - Absolutely Brazos Magazine

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

Ideas to Improve Curb Appeal Ideas to Improve Curb Appeal

Whether you’re hoping to sell in the near future or simply looking to touch up outdated areas, there’s one aspect of home maintenance most homeowners agree is important: curb appeal. It’s a broad term that may reference any number of visible features, meaning there are plenty of ways to enhance the appearance of your house.

Consider these ideas - some big, some small - for bringing new life to your home’s look from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

Swap Out Your Front Door

As one of the first things a guest, passerby or potential homebuyer may notice, the front door is the gateway to your home and a likely opening impression. Upgrading to a heavier, bolder door or simply repainting the existing threshold can capture positive attention. Alternately, swapping out hardware for a more eye-catching look is an easy way to achieve a fresh facelift.

Create Seating Areas

A welcoming home is typically an attractive one, and there are few better ways to create a cozy vibe than a seating or gathering area on the porch. Whether it’s the classic porch swing or chairs and a coffee table suitable for the outdoors, a small zone ideal for conversation and camaraderie can help create an athome appearance.

Rethink the Mailbox

It may not be as exciting of a project to undertake, however, giving your mailbox a fresh look helps it stand out and - especially if it’s directly in front of your home - may turn an ordinary object into a worthy attractant. Your work may be as simple as updating to a newer model or as thought-out as constructing a small rock wall around the base.

Add Stonework

For a project that can give your house a new look altogether, consider incorporating stonework or a stone veneer for a natural appearance. If changing your facade isn’t in the plans, less complicated ideas like pavers, brick sidewalks and landscape rings are ways to introduce a classic touch.

Paint (or Repaint) the Exterior

Changing the exterior paint color of a home is one of the most popular renovation projects, and one of the first that comes to mind for many homeowners. Simply altering the colors of trim, gutters and other accent pieces may be enough for some homes, and repainting the exterior doesn’t have to mean a new color altogether - consider a brighter shade or simply a fresh coat to help your home pop.

Update Lighting

Plant Shrubbery

Billowing trees and blooming flowers are certainly eyecatching accessories outside a home, but many varieties require intense care to grow the way you envision and may adhere to seasonal weather patterns for optimal appearance. For a quicker result, shop around for fully mature shrubs and plants that can withstand elements throughout the year. Light fixtures come in all shapes and sizes, and many times the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While updated porch illumination may not drive home a potential sale, it’s a subtle touch right as guests arrive. Adding smaller lights in previously unlit areas like around landscaping (consider solar-powered for easier maintenance) can help your hard work shine.

Kristin Lytle is

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Kristin Lytle, Broker Associate

Email to KristinKLytle@gmail.com • 281-414-3059

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Get in the Heart of Your Community

One of the most valued benefits of life is being part of a community. Helen Keller once said, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.” Back in the day, neighbors gathered at the fence or on the front porch and shared baked goods or swapped ideas for issues at hand. Neighbors gave helping hands to neighbors in need. Unfortunately over the years, the personal interaction between neighbors has declined with technology. While raising her family in Fort Bend County, Kristin Lytle has been involved with various organizations in an effort to give back to her community. Lytle served on boards at schools, volunteered through Friends of Old Sugar Land, Fort Bend Senior Citizens, Hearts and Hammers, Scouts, Sugar Land Planning and Zoning and other organizations and continues to do so.

Sometimes residents do not where to even start to serve their community. If you would like to volunteer, consider starting with your neighborhood. Often times you will learn there are many who need help. Attend an HOA meeting or social event and likely learn of neighbors needing assistance. Think about the work you would like to do, the talents you have to offer and you will enjoy giving back.

Fort Bend County has a wide range of organizations that need volunteers: visit a local food pantry, animal shelter, library, senior center, schools and/or hospital. “You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give,” Winston Churchill said.

For more information on finding the perfect community for your family to call home, please contact Kristin Lytle at 281 414-3059.

IN THE HEART O F B R A Z O S OUT& ABOUT

Little Hats, Big Hearts™, honors babies, moms and heart healthy lives in a very special way. OakBend Medical Center volunteers knitted and crocheted red hats for babies during American Heart Month in order to empower moms to live heart healthy lives and to help their children do the same. Foster High School senior Joseph Cook was selected as a recipient of The Congressional Award. Cook is the first student from Foster High School to receive this honor and was recently awarded with both Bronze and Silver certificates and medals.

Volunteers Salma Georges and Edie “Jackie” Dorsey.

Joseph Cook.

The Art League of Fort Bend held a luncheon at Ol’ Railroad Café. The new president, Brenda Bowman, presented the outgoing president, Diana Miller, a gift and thanked her for her service.

Clara Forero, Mary Lynch and Ed Meanley.

Brenda Bowman, Diana Miller and Anne Gregory.

Volunteers joined together to create a Spirit of Christmas Market for the students at Pink Elementary. Students were able to select gifts for their families. Students earned the right to “shop” at the market by exhibiting positive character traits, being good citizens and friends. Teachers charted their accomplishments during November and December.

Kaylie Bazaldua was a happy kindergartener with her gifts.