(ARA) - When it comes to curb appeal, a home's unique features are what make an eye-catching, lasting impression. But homeowners don't need to go over the top to stand out. Accents of vibrant color and uncommon dimension create character, even extending a homeowner's personality to their home's welcoming facade.

A value-enhancing way to deliver this appeal is with shutters. Many homeowners know that common shutters can do the job of adding a contrasting color. But high-quality, customizable shutters can make a complete difference, animating a home with elegant texture and depth. Atlantic Premium Shutters literally offers more than a thousand ways for a homeowner to create a home exterior look that is entirely unique.

(ARA) - The high volume of foreclosed homes on the market is allowing some astute buyers to turn eyesores into eye-catching properties with only minimal investment. While not every property can be fixed up affordably, there are some common projects that dramatically improve a foreclosed home's appeal and value.

"Many people are finding huge opportunities in fixing up foreclosures," says Tom Sullivan, founder of Lumber Liquidators, the nation's largest specialty retailer of hardwood flooring. "Most of these houses can be completely transformed with just a few improvements. Often, the fixes are easy enough to be do-it-yourself projects."

(ARA) - There's nothing quite like the look of a new countertop to give a kitchen style and personality. Perhaps that's why countertop replacement ranked second only to cabinet replacement when homeowners considered a kitchen remodeling project.

Unfortunately, with countertop prices at $10 to $30 per square foot for laminate and up to $200 per square foot for high-end granite, countertop replacement can be a real budget buster. But what if you could transform your outdated laminate countertop without the time, mess or expense associated with replacing it? Now, it's easy thanks to innovative, do-it-yourself coating systems like Modern Masters Countertop Transformations.

(ARA) - Is home security on your to-do list for the spring? Although preliminary statistics are showing a decrease in the crime rate for the end of 2009, more than 9 million property crimes are still projected to occur in 2010. Trends also reveal that crime rates increase as the weather improves. As the spring of 2010 approaches, take the time now to start your DIY home security plan.

Hedge wisely:
Now is the time to beautify your property and create a deterrent for criminals by planting prickly evergreens beneath your first-floor windows. If you already have a hedge, prune it before the growing season begins for optimal health. Trim back existing bushes to keep them full yet compact; unruly plants can provide a tempting hiding place for opportunistic criminals. Check overhanging trees to make sure they could not help someone climb into a window or over a fence.