Your Front Porch

The front porch is the means by which your home says 'Hello...and Welcome!' Without question, a porch sets the stage and feeling of any home. Imagine comfy wicker with colorful cushions, rocking chairs, Boston ferns, and a handsome wooden swing with a familiar squeak. First impressions are generally lasting ones, of people as well as homes. If your home is on the market today, make sure that first impression is one that beckons the buyers to sit a spell and put their feet up, grab a favorite book or tune in to the Indians game after the lawn chores are complete. A home and its porch can conjure up memories of neighbors taking their evening stroll and stopping by for a friendly visit or even remembering that a first kiss was shared on that swing while parents watched the news inside.

A front porch serves as a buffer from the inside to the outside world. It's a place of serenity in those first or last moments of the day. It offers a marvelous window on Mother Nature, shade from the sun and protection from the rain, while observing the wonders all around. Squirrels run rings around the maple tree, robins pluck worms from the dew covered lawn. Sunday morning's rush to services is followed by the slower, peaceful pace afterwards, as parents stoop to tie a shoelace and brush a stray lock of hair from a forehead.

Lakewood homes boast front porches of every style and size. The styles range from beautiful Greek Revivals, Victorian gingerbreads, glorious wraparounds, luscious and elegant or staunch and sturdy. It is the season to enjoy whatever style of front porch your home offers. Make the most of that space not only to enhance the value, but also to create memories to be shared for many years to come.

Sunny Updegrove is a licensed Realtor with Howard Hanna.

Read More on Real Estate
Volume 6, Issue 14, Posted 8:37 AM, 07.14.2010