Mailbox Mayhem - Stage it Right!

Recently I have taken up walking through my neighborhood trying to get healthy. There is a health benefit, but also a staging benefit. As I traverse down the streets I have a host of homes that I get to grab curb appeal ideas from. Like with anything, there are great examples of what NOT to do along side those homes that belong in a magazine.

One thing that has popped out most during these walks is probably one of the least considered items in the front yard ... the mailbox. We take for granted everyday the mail will be delivered into some sort of receptacle either at the curb or by the door. There are many telling features about a home based on the condition of the mailbox.

If the mailbox is at the curb, it is most likely the first thing that potential buyers will see as they pull into the driveway. This could be a huge indication of whether or not the buyers even want to continue the tour. If that mailbox is falling apart or leaning over to the side, does that really give the impression that the home is taken care of? Not so much. Here a few tips to maximize the appeal of the mailbox.

First make sure that it is sturdy and placed well in the ground. Leaning is not an option! Use cement if you must, but make sure it won't fall over with the next windy day. Secondly choose a style that will compliment the home. There are so many options that can be found at the home improvement stores; the sky is the limit really.

Make sure that the post is complimentary as well. All too often I see posts that have been left untreated. Those posts quickly deteriorate if left untreated and leave a worn look that is not attractive to potential buyers. Painting the post to match the trim color is a great way to coordinate your home and mailbox.

A brick surround is one choice for a mailbox. Remember to maintain the brick and seal it to maintain the brick's integrity. Regularly check the mortar to observe any crumbling and fix accordingly. A plastic mailbox is also an option, but this too may need care. Spray paint has come a long way and there are formulas now that will adhere to plastic. Don't let that mailbox get a faded look when all it would take is a can of spray paint to revive it!

Many homeowners landscape around the mailbox. This is a great idea that adds wonderful appeal IF ... it is maintained. I have seen so many mailboxes lately where the landscaping has completely crowded out the opening to the mailbox. Regular pruning is a must - buyers won't want to buy what they can't see. This is an ideal place for annual plantings to add a little color. Make sure that mulch is used to freshen up the area at the beginning of the season.

Some mailboxes are attached to the home. Please do not neglect these. Make sure that it fits the scale of the area that it hangs and the style of the home. There are many outlets for homeowners to purchase period pieces that will reflect a home's character. Also keep in mind the finish. Homeowners put them up and call it a day. If the mailbox is metal, it will need regular maintenance too. Spray paint can be a great tool here as well.

If there are numbers or a name plate attached to mailbox, maintain them as well. Some are more weather proof than others. I just saw some today that had cracked in half and I couldn't really tell what the number was. Hard to buy a house that you can't find!

Staging a mailbox may seem unnecessary, but all of these little details could really make a difference. Send the right message from the start and maintain those mailboxes!

Authored by Sheila O'Mara, as seen in The News Enterprise, Friday June 26, 2009