April 2018 Mortgage

April 2018

Boost curb appeal

for under $100

Selling with speed—

Move your home off the market fast

David Yurovchak also featured: Brian Gething

Tricks of the trade —

Develop your time management skills

contents

professionals ­Featured­Agent­Magazine

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Increase morale and productivity with these team-building exercises

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Managing client stress

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Tricks of the trade — Develop your time management skills

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t featured cover mortgage pro

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David Yurovchak

q featured mortgage pro

Brian Gething

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buyers&sellers 4

Selling with speed — Move your home off the market fast

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Buyer beware — Common pitfalls to avoid when purchasing a home

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Boost curb appeal for under $100

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Selling with speed —

Move your home off the market fast As the saying goes, time is money. That’s why updating your home in preparation for sale is of utmost importance. Even adding a few desirable additions can move your property off the market with speed — while adding value to your list price.

Create a Laundry Area — Research from the National Association of Home Builders shows that a whopping 92% of house-hunters include a laundry room on their must-have list. If you already have a washer and dryer hooked up in a rear room, guest room, or in the basement, consider beautifying these spaces to add additional value. Even a few details go 4

a long way. Turn an unconsidered laundry corner into a design-conscious workstation. A fresh paint job, an area rug, shelves or a dedicated table for sorting and folding, or a few pieces of fresh décor (think framed artwork, or a sleek caddy for detergents) — all add inviting flare. If you are without a dedicated laundry area, you may consider adding one to an existing basement or underused closet. Including these modern appointments can draw would-be buyers and add substantial value to your bottom line.

Capture Curb Appeal — First impressions are everything, and any agent worth their salt understands Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

The last thing sellers and agents want is a home that sits on the market too long, diminishing its value. Instead, take a proactive approach to renovations and finishing touches that will inspire buyers to make an attractive offer.

that modern homebuyers prefer contemporary touches when seeking a new home. If you’ve put off replacing your kitchen counters or appliances — it may be time to reconsider. Today’s house-hunters prefer move-in ready renovations like granite or marble countertops, and sleek appliances. In fact, according to research, properties that sport stainless steel appliances fly off the market 15% faster. If you don’t have the budget to perform a complete kitchen or bathroom update, try swapping out a few lower-ticket pieces like a new dishwasher, built-in microwave, or updated fixtures.

Lending a sense of modernity to major rooms can go a long way in luring buyers.

the power of curb appeal. Before prospective buyers even set foot inside a home, they get a sense of the property and how well it’s been cared for. Exterior lighting is one inexpensive feature that can really boost a home’s profile. Manicured landscaping, modern walkway lights, and a contemporary light fixture at the front door are all excellent ways to give a home a polished facade. Other ideas, like a new mailbox, an inviting doormat, or replacing an old screen door can go a long way in upping a home’s curb appeal — without breaking the bank.

Modernize the Out-of-Date — It’s no surprise Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Create a Backyard Oasis — Millennial buyers and house-hunters with growing families highly value outdoor space. A few well-chosen additions can transform your backyard into an additional entertaining space that’s worth its weight in gold. For instance, stone patios or refinished decks create an outdoor hub, while flowery landscaping, stone pavers, and well-placed lighting give exterior spaces a refined look. Creating privacy in outdoor spaces also creates allure. Something as simple as planting higher hedges or adding an enclosed fence can certainly up your asking price.

The last thing sellers and agents want is a home that sits on the market too long, diminishing its value. Instead, take a proactive approach to renovations and finishing touches that will inspire buyers to make an attractive offer. Keep these easy-to-apply tips in mind and you’ll be off to a running start.

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Increase morale and productivity

with these team-building exercises Successful agents and loan officers understand that relationships are everything in the world of real estate — and those relationships begin right in your office, alongside your colleagues. Even if you work with only the help of an assistant, a strong team dynamic can make all the difference when it comes to executing transactions with efficiency and positive morale.

What’s more, clients can sense a high-functioning team dynamic, so the benefits of team-building extend far beyond your office. Just as continuing education and self-development are important to professional longevity, so too is the health and comradery of your team. With that in mind, add these three team-building 6

exercises to your arsenal as you foster positivity and growth inside your sphere.

Spirit of Service — Team-building activities don’t have to feel cheesy, or a like an afternoon at summer camp. Instead, service-based exercises can bind your office together, while committing to a good cause. Another bonus? In the real estate and mortgage industries, there are plenty of related charitable organizations to which you and your team can donate your time. Habitat for a Humanity, an organization that builds homes for the less fortunate, is a great way to begin. You can dedicate a day to getting hands-on in the housing Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Just as continuing education and self-development are important to professional longevity, so too is the health and comradery of your team. themed rounds, and award prizes for the winners. All the while, you’ll get people collaborating and letting their guards down. Think about crafting questions that everyone can chime in on, like ‘how many windows are in the office?’ or ‘what month is the most common for office birthdays?’ Questions that revolve around your office and staff will make your team members the star of the show, and add some lighthearted workplace fun into the mix.

world, and there’s no better bonding experience than laboring side-by-side for a cause in your industry. If building isn’t your speed, consider entering the office as a team in a charitable athletic event, like a 5K walk or golf tournament. Either way, giving back as a collective is a great way to serve others, while building trust and empathy among those you work with.

Office Trivia — Here’s a great office-themed way to get team members having fun and bonding with one another. Come up with 25 office-based trivia questions and divide into small groups. Have the groups come up with individual team names, split questions into Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Collective Brainstorming — Sometimes team members stagnate if they aren’t feeling challenged, or if they feel that their voice isn’t being heard. Here’s a great way to curb that negativity, breathe new life into your business, and get team members talking. Ahead of your next meeting, dedicate 20 minutes to big-picture thinking. Ask team members to spend five minutes writing about a ‘what if?’ idea regarding the business and their careers. Encourage writers to think big, be imaginative, and tackle issues that they may have been facing for a while. Then, break team members into smaller groups and have them share their thoughts if they’re comfortable. This will inspire discussion, allow employees the chance to flex their creativity, and give them a channel to express their professional ambitions and ideas.

Team-building exercises don’t have to relegated to the realm of trust-falls and scavenger hunts. The main idea is to get employees out of their routine and working together in unconventional ways. From lighthearted party games to service-oriented excursions, give your team room to grow as one and the results will boost moods and serve your enterprise and employees for the long run.

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featuredagent Brian Gething magazine

Much like a prospective homebuyer, when Ohio native Brian Gething was searching for a career as his time at Kent State University drew to a close, he wasn’t exactly sure what he was looking for. He knew he wanted to explore life in other parts of the country, so when he learned that a family friend was in the mortgage field in sunny Arizona, his curiosity was piqued, and he reached out to his industry connection. After receiving an introduction to the business, Brian, then a business major with a minor in finance, saw an opportunity to apply his skills and education to a new profession.

In September 2007, only one month after graduating, Brian moved to Phoenix to try his hand in mortgage lending, after visiting and falling in love with the area. Little did he know, the industry was about to enter its roughest stretch in a generation, as the housing crisis was just about to dawn. Though his first days in the profession were trying, he discovered that his passion kept him going, and knew if he could keep his love of the industry intact through difficult times, the sky was the limit once the good times inevitably returned. “It was definitely an interesting first year in the business,” Brian explains. “I am really passionate about the industry and helping people, and it’s the reason I was able to get past the difficult times and have continued to grow every year since.”

After working primarily with refinancing, Brian went on to join another firm where he focused on purchase loans. He began working with real estate agents and homebuyers and learned the tools and values that make up the foundation of his current business — The Gething Team of Peoples Mortgage Company, based in Phoenix’s East Valley, servicing the entire state of Arizona. An impressive 95% of The Gething Team’s business comes from referrals and repeat clients, a testament to the quality work they provide. “We take great care of our clients and referral partners and treat them like friends and family, always with their best interests in mind,”

says Brian. “We go the extra mile to make sure we are available when we’re needed. We’re responsive, set proper expectations, and we’re proactive and consistent with our communication.”

The Gething Team offers a wide array of loan programs, from well-known FHA, VA and conventional loans, to more specific programs suited to each client’s unique needs. “About half of our clients are first-time homebuyers, so many of them find value in down payment assistance programs,” Brian says. “We help people understand programs specific to our region, and even have access to a special assistance program which supports buyers who may have a lower FICO score or a higher debt-to-income ratio.”

Honesty and integrity are guiding virtues for the Gething Team, but Brian specifically mentions patience as the one value he stresses most. “We work with mortgages every day,” he explains, “but we know the average homebuyer may only go through this process once every ten years, or even longer. So we always take the time to walk every client through each step of the process and pride ourselves on making it simple for them to understand.”

To give back to his community, Brian donates to the Wounded Warrior Project and Best Buddies, a local organization that works with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also supports ICAN, a local program that provides after-school opportunities for East Valley children. In his coveted free time, Brian enjoys golfing, and spending quality time with his girlfriend and their dog, Buster.

As far as the future, Brian plans to continue to mentor other loan officers and pass along the tools he’s mastered. He’s excited about plans to expand his business to a second location in the Valley, and looks forward to further increasing his capacity to assist more clients in achieving their dream of homeownership. “There’s a huge misconception out there that it’s so difficult for someone to buy a house. That is truly not the case,” he says. After working with Brian, more and more satisfied Arizona homeowners are learning this firsthand.

Brian Gething The Gething Team | Peoples Mortgage Company | Gilbert, AZ 480.818.5856 | bgething@peoplesmortgage.com | www.bgething.loans.peoplesmortgage.com NMLS# 218288 | Company NMLS# 6274 | Equal Housing Lender 8

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Buyer beware — Common pitfalls

to avoid when purchasing a home Buying a home is not only a large financial investment, it’s also a significant emotional investment. With so much at stake, the process deserves your undivided attention. To ensure that buying a home goes as smoothly as possible, it’s wise to learn from the mistakes of others and avoid common home buying errors. Here is a list of six common pitfalls to avoid when purchasing a home.

Falling for a Home Before Your Finances Are in Order — Nearly all REALTORS® will give you the same advice when it comes to beginning your search for a new home — make sure you have your mortgage pre-approval in place. This will prevent you from falling for a home outside of your budget, thereby helping to safeguard you from disappointment. It will also save you time, as your REALTOR® will be able to find the greatest selection of homes that meet your needs, within your price range.

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Attempting to Buy a Home Without a REALTOR® Representing You — Many people do buy homes without the advocacy of a buyer’s agent.

However, it’s not recommended for first-time or relatively inexperienced buyers. This is because there are so many moving parts in a real estate transaction, that even small missteps can lead to missing out on the perfect home. Because REALTORS® spend every day immersed in the process of buying and selling homes, they offer a wealth of information. From knowledge of various neighborhoods, to premium negotiating skills, to advocating for various improvements or concessions, having a reputable buyer’s agent working on your behalf is in your best interest.

Buying the Most Expensive Home You Can Afford — There’s something to be said for exercising a little financial restraint when it comes to buying a 9

home. In other words, it’s not necessarily in your best interest to buy a home that totally maxes out your spending power. Instead, consider keeping a bit of money on hand, for things like upgrades, or unplanned expenses such as having to replace a furnace or hot water heater.

Buying a Home You Don’t Like — In effort to secure a foothold in the real estate market, many firsttime homebuyers purchase homes that they just really don’t like. This should be avoided at all costs. That’s not to say that your first home must be your dream home, but you should find more things you love about it, than things you dislike. Buying a home, just because you can, or feel like you need to, can lead to buyer’s remorse or resentment. Make sure you can truly see yourself living in a home and enjoying it before you make an offer.

Purchasing a Home When You Plan to Move Again Soon — Life happens, and there is no way to fully anticipate every possible scenario, such as having to move because of a sudden job transfer. However, if you know for certain that you’re planning to move within a relatively short period of time, it’s not in your best interest to buy a home, only to live in for a very 10

short time. Doing so can lead to losing money, particularly if the market declines during the time you’re in the home, or if you’ve purchased with a no money down loan.

Buying Without a Home Inspection — Different states have different laws on housing inspections.

However, no matter where you live, you should never miss the opportunity to have a full inspection conducted to confirm the home you’re planning to purchase is foundationally, electrically, and structurally sound.

Buying a home without having a full understanding of potential problems is unwise in all cases. Insist upon a home inspection before you buy.

Buying a home should be an exciting experience, not an emotionally or financially exhaustive endeavor. In effort to enjoy the process, it is smart to engage the services and expertise of a licensed real estate agent, who can answer any questions you have, negotiate on your behalf, safeguard you from potential delays and missed opportunities, and educate you along the way. With an ally working on your behalf, the process of finding and buying a home can be a lot of fun, and there’s a good chance you’ll make a friend along the way.

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David Yurovchak

Photo courtesy of American West Homes

David Yurovchak Before making his debut in the mortgage world, David Yurovchak had earned extensive experience in the sales industry. Originally from Seattle, David was offered an opportunity by Nordstrom to relocate to Nevada in advance of the opening of a new store.

Eager for a challenge, David agreed, and continued on earning his degree at UNLV, focusing on Communications, Broadcast Journalism, and Finance.

Though he’d enjoyed success in the sales and service industry, he was ready for the chance to serve others on a larger scale. That’s when he decided to shift his career focus to the mortgage business.

In 2004, he earned his license and began training as a Junior Loan Officer, learning first-hand the ins and outs of the industry. He’d always understood

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the value of hard work and diligence — a trait instilled in him by his parents, who worked two jobs each to support him and his brothers while they were growing up. Using that lifelong inspiration, he set to work with the same vigor, making an instant impression. In the 14 years since, David has carved out a steadfast reputation for integrity, professionalism, and client-first service. He’s earned a coveted spot in the top 1% of mortgage originators nationwide, from 2013 to the present, and was named a Mortgage Professional to Watch in 2018 on a 40 Under 40 Most Influential list by National Mortgage Professional. In recognition of his efforts, he’s been honored as a 10-year awardee of his company’s Chairman’s Elite and President’s Club awards, designating a top-tier originator by closings. What’s Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

“My main goal is to teach and keep clients informed from the beginning, so we can set the right expectations, but also so they can use that information and plan for the rest of their lives.” more, David is counted among the top loan originators in Nevada by closings and volume, year-after-year — an impressive feat.

Serving the state of Nevada, and based in Henderson, David heads a team of four licensed loan officers and two production assistants, all under the banner of loanDepot. Though his loan products run the gamut, David has earned specialized experience working with new construction properties. He also has a knack for creative problem-solving when it comes to pairing clients with loan options that work for them. At the heart of his approach, David cites his commitment to education as a key driver of his success to date. Unique client presentations — one of his trademark value-adds — are customized for each respective client and outline their specific financial picture, possibilities, and goals. “Obtaining a mortgage, filing tax returns, or managing finances in general — unfortunately these aren’t lessons we typically learn well while growing up,” he explains.

“That’s why I try to educate and conduct my business face-to-face as much as possible. I go through every step of the process and teach clients, customizing a presentation specifically for each individual so we all understand the objective. My main goal is to teach and keep clients informed from the beginning, so we can set the right expectations, but also so they can use that information and plan for the rest of their lives — no matter what their goals are. We may do a lot of loans on a monthly basis, but we don’t view our clients as just another number.”

This commitment to education extends to David’s real estate agent referral partners, as well. With 80% Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

of his business generated by referral partners — and the remaining 20% by past clients — David has cultivated a proven track record of success. Communication also plays a big role in his business. He considers his team a well-oiled machine, with each member’s role clearly defined and executed. Likewise, David’s experience allows him to foresee problems before they arise. He goes out of his way to ensure all parties are kept up-to-date amidst the transactional process. “I set clear expectations from the very beginning,” he says. “While I try to treat everyone like I would a family member, I’m also realistic and upfront. It’s my job to tell clients the good, the bad, and the ugly. Our end goal is to help people achieve the American Dream, as they don’t always have the knowledge of how to get there. No one wins unless my clients close and are happy. That’s why knowledge is power, the backbone of what I do.”

The sincerity with which David approaches his business is clear as he reflects upon his favorite part of his work. “There is pure joy when a closing goes through and my clients have earned the gratification of homeownership, especially for those who don’t think they could ever accomplish it,” he says. “But when you set out a roadmap and clients follow it, it all comes to fruition. They’ve earned their new home and there’s pride in that. It’s so rewarding to be part of that process.”

To give back to his community far and wide, David is active in a variety of causes including the MakeA-Wish Foundation, St. Baldrick’s, KLUC 98.5’s holiday toy drive, and organizations supporting the Las Vegas area’s first responders. In his free hours, David enjoys staying active with his wife and two

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Photo courtesy of American West Homes

“There is pure joy when a closing goes through and my clients have earned the gratification of homeownership, especially for those who don’t think they could ever accomplish it.” children, heading to the park, going to the movies, and playing sports.

Looking ahead, David has plans to continue growing his business under the visionary direction of loanDepot, a savvy enterprise led by Chairman/ CEO Anthony Hsieh. “This is a technology-based company but with loan originators on the ground level too,” David explains. “We’re not just relying on technology to originate and process loans, but

mello is the technology behind the scenes that’s changing the way we do business.” Backed by loanDepot’s forward-thinking platform, David plans to continue taking an organic, hands-on approach to growing his talented roster of professionals, while staying connected to originating — his original passion. Now, with 14 years of incisive experience behind him and a grounded perspective on the road ahead, the future is sure to be filled with promise for David Yurovchak and his team.

David Yurovchak loanDepot | Henderson, NV 702.575.6421 | DYurovchak@loandepot.com | www.loandepot.com/dyurovchak NMLS#611756 14 loanDepot.com, LLC NMLS ID 174457. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act CRMLA 4131040.

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Managing

client stress

Mortgage professionals are responsible for guiding clients through some of the most significant transactions of their lives. And because these transactions involve making huge life changes, coupled with major financial decisions, they can be incredibly stressful. But that doesn’t mean they have to be unpleasant. Learning how to manage borrowers’ stress (along with your own) can help make every aspect of the deal go more smoothly for everyone involved. Try some of these client stress management tips: Stay in the Moment — Borrowers will cause themselves lots of stress and sleepless nights envisioning all the ‘what if?’ scenarios that could possibly derail the deal. Encourage your buyers and homeowners to stay in the moment and make decisions based upon facts you know to be true, not things that may or may not happen.

Focus on the Positive — Buyers and homeowners can get caught up in fear, and talk themselves out of a loan entirely. Try to keep clients focused on the positive aspects of the deal and work through challenges one at a time, as they come up, rather than waiting and then trying to tackle them all at once.

Keep Your Ducks in a Row — Clients will follow your lead, so be sure you’re setting the tone for a relaxed and productive partnership from the start. Stay organized and informed so you can address concerns quickly and never leave a question unanswered. Not keeping clients informed is one of the quickest ways to undermine trust and create unnecessary stress.

Customize Communication — Each client comes with a different set of needs and expectations regarding communication. Some will get stressed out if they don’t hear from you regularly — even if there’s nothing significant going on. Others will prefer to hear from you only when there’s noteworthy news to report. Learn each client’s preferred style and communicate accordingly, whether that’s through text messages, email, or good old-fashioned phone calls.

Take Five — When you sense a client’s stress level rising, take a quick break to breathe and regroup; talk about something else for a few minutes. You can also suggest going on a short walk, or stopping to have a quick bite. In fact, steady blood sugar and proper hydration will go a long way toward reducing everyone’s stress level. Try to remind your borrowers, even when it seems like they need to continue producing document after document, that the end is in sight, so they might as well take good care of themselves, with a quick reprieve or snack. This way they can avoid getting too caught up in feeling overwhelmed.

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Tricks of the trade —

Develop your time management skills

One of the greatest gifts that being a mortgage professional provides, lies in the fact that no two days are ever the same. It keeps you on your toes, keeps your mind active, and your days often seem to pass in the blink of an eye. With amazing opportunities for personal success, all the while being able to genuinely help others, there’s frankly no other career quite like being a mortgage professional.

However, a career in origination is certainly not known for being a particularly predictable profession.

Appraisals can come in low. Borrowers misplace vital paperwork. Inspections are delayed. And sometimes that’s just your average Thursday! It can seem downright impossible to plan your days, let alone stick to your plan.

That’s not to say that you can’t make the most of each 16

day, even when the not-so-uncommon curveball is thrown your way. While you cannot control potential challenges that may arise, nor can you make the day any longer, there are ways you can be sure to make the most of your time.

Here are seven tips for best managing your time as a mortgage professional.

Acknowledge Your Business Goals — Remind yourself of your short-term and long-term business goals each day. That way, you’ll be able to look at the big picture when scheduling your days, and your weeks.

By reminding yourself of your immediate goals, and where you would like your business to be next quarter, next year, or five years from now, you’ll keep your sights firmly focused on working towards those overarching goals, even when things get hectic.

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your time, you’ll be in a better position to see where adjustments need to be made.

Learn to Live with Saying No — As originators, it’s hard not to say yes to every request, invitation, or opportunity that comes your way. After all, you’re in the business of customer service. But you’re also in the business of being honest, which means that sometimes you’re going to have to say no to a request when you simply don’t have the time, and that’s ok. Your clients may see you as a super hero, but you must remember you’re only human and can only take on so much.

Minimize Distractions — Multi-tasking is a way of life for most originators, but there can be too much of a good thing. Try reducing the number of notifications you receive from various apps, or social media during times when you need to focus. Or, consider silencing your phone while you’re working on a file.

Little distractions can lead to big delays, and wasted time.

Put Effort into Prioritizing — There are many methods of prioritizing your tasks, but one of the simplest ways to do so is to sort your various responsibilities into categories so you can take a clear look at what is most time sensitive, what can be put off if necessary, and what items can be postponed easily.

By prioritizing your tasks, you’re less likely to stray from your plan, and avoid feeling like you’re busy, yet unproductive.

Use Technology to Track Your Time — Time tracking and time management apps can be incredibly useful for originators on the go. By logging how you spend your time, you’re likely to see patterns, thereby being able to identify your most productive days, or pinpointing tasks that wind up taking more time than they should. When you can look at how you planned to spend your day, and compare it with how you actually spend Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Decide to Delegate — Learning to delegate can be a challenge, but committing to do so can significantly lighten your load, and free up extra time.To get started, it may be beneficial to delegate the least time sensitive items until you become comfortable with entrusting others to help you meet your goals.

Sleep, Eat, Exercise, Repeat — Getting plenty of rest ensures that your mind is poised to function at its peak level. Likewise, a balanced diet will help you to maintain your energy level throughout the day. Exercise is also a powerful tool for learning to manage your time, through relieving stress and providing a boost of endorphins to feel good during the day and sleep well at night.

Learning to manage your time as a busy mortgage originator can take effort and dedication. But it can also feel like a life-saver in terms of keeping you calm, cool, and collected in a career synonymous with constant change and unmeasurable rewards.

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Boost curb appeal

for under $100

You know that one house on the block that always catches your eye as you drive by? It just has that certain something that always makes you look twice and think “what a cool house!” That something is called curb appeal. If you’re getting ready to sell your home, boosting its curb appeal is an important step to help ensure it sells quickly. But even if you’re not selling, why not bump up the curb appeal anyway? You’ll love seeing those special touches every time you return home. Plus, now your house will be the one that has that certain something that gets the neighbors buzzing. Here are several ways you can boost curb appeal quickly and easily.

Best of all? Most ring in under $100!

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Create a Dramatic Door — There’s no easier way to make a statement than with a colorful front door. It stands out in the best possible way and causes people to look twice. The question is, what color?

The possibilities are endless and only limited by your imagination (and maybe your HOA). Bold red, hunter green, and glossy black are classic choices.

Turquoise, yellow and mint green lend a vintage vibe, while lime green, gray and bright white feel contemporary. If you just can’t decide, download the app Front Door Paint, which allows you to see how different colors will look before you choose. The door makeover doesn’t have to stop with paint, be sure the Copyright Featured Agent Magazine

Quick Fixes No time for a project? Here are five ways to instantly improve curb appeal.

• • • • •

Scrub the front door and polish hardware Put out a new welcome mat Clear the front porch light of bugs and leaves Add a grouping of flowering potted plants Pick up trash and yard debris

Prioritize Plants — Bursts of color from fresh flowers add a warm and welcoming look to the front of your home. You can install window boxes, a vertical hanging wall planter, or simply cluster flowering potted plants into small groupings. If entry space is limited, you can achieve the same feeling by using hanging planters. If the climate doesn’t allow for summer flowers, or if you prefer a minimalist look, potted succulents are a trendy (and easy care) alternative.

Don’t Forget the Details — Pay attention to the small details that can make a big difference in your home’s curb appeal. Fix or replace torn window screens, keep sidewalk cracks and edges free of weeds and grass, power wash the driveway until it looks pristine, and roll up or put away garden hoses.

hardware is looking good, too. You can clean, polish and even paint (using spray paint for metal) what’s already there or add new hardware to complete the new look.

The Numbers Count — If you’re selling your home, clearly visible house numbers are important so prospective buyers know they’re looking at the right house. But more than that, stylish house numbers can enhance the overall look of your home’s exterior.

Choose a font and material that complements the architectural style of your house for a clean and cohesive look.

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Shed Some Light — Exterior lighting is more than an aesthetic issue, it’s one of safety as well. Make sure you have ample illumination by the front door and along the front walkway. If outdoor lighting fixtures are looking worn and weather-beaten, clean them first, then polish or paint them. Line the front walkway with solar twinkle lights or light stakes. It might not seem like much during the day, but at night everyone will notice the beautiful glow.

You’ve Got Mail(box) — A saggy, shabby, weatherbeaten mailbox can downgrade the overall look of your home. If yours is still in good shape, clean it and give it a coat of fresh paint. If it’s seen better days, upgrade to something new.

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