THE BASICS

• Walk around your home’s exterior with a critical eye and a pencil/paper, make note of everything that needs cleaning, repairing, replacing. Ask a friend or neighbor to do the same for another set of eyes.
• Get in your car and drive by slowly (from both directions) to check out how your home looks as you approach.
• Sweep walkways, driveway and patios so they are free of dirt and debris.
• Wipe down the front door.
• Clean or replace front door handle.
• Mow lawn and trim overgrown bushes/trees.
• Remove (and/or replace) anything dead, dying or dormant.
• Add some color with a pot of flowers near the front door; spruce up your flower beds.
• Rake and replenish decorative rock, add some mulch.
• Put a new doormat out front.
• Put your car, bikes, etc. in the garage. A cluttered driveway gives the impression that your home isn’t spacious enough to contain your possessions.

TAKE IT UP A NOTCH

• Paint your house. A fresh coat of paint can make a house look new and really helps with the curb appeal. If painting the whole house isn’t in the budget maybe consider doing the front shutters, door & window trim.
• If new paint isn’t needed (or too expensive) try pressure-washing or hosing everything down. The house, driveway and walkways should be as clean and free of stains as possible. You can rent a pressure washer from a local home improvement store for the day if you don’t own one.
• Replace house numbers that are faded or hard to see, making sure that whatever you choose matches the style of the house (and in compliance with HOA rules).
• Lights, camera action! Check the lights. Replace any burned out outdoor lights or install some inexpensive solar lights to set the nighttime scene/highlight your home’s best features. Do a nighttime drive by (and assume potential buyers will do the same) and snap a few photos to see how your home looks. You want it to look great day and night!