View from the Curb--that First Impression of Your Home

The view from the curb is so important, because a great impression will make a prospective buyer think, "The inside is probably maintained and designed as well as the outside.  I want to see inside!"

Start your plan by checking what you see from the curb. 
1.  Is the brick/wood/siding clean and in good repair?
2.  Are the gutters clean and in good repair?  If not, they will cause water to overflow and cause mildew stains down the side of the house or even interior water damage.  Check the integrity of the roof.
3.  Is the paint on wood parts fresh and not peeling?
4.  Close up...is the door hardware polished and in good condition?  If not, replace.  Do you need to update the mailbox and/or porch light?
5.  How are the hedges, trees and plantings?  Keep hedges trimmed, remove dead trees and branches.  Accent flower beds with one bright color (red is good) of seasonal annuals.
6.  Green up the yard and keep it manicured.
7.  Make sure windows are sparkling clean inside and out. 
8.  Check for mildew on sidewalks, driveway, exterior of home; pressure wash if necessary.
9.  Check the integrity of your fence and replace any rotten or loose boards.
10.  Check around the garage, back and side yards for rubbish and remove.

Add a pot or two of bright, colorful flowers to the porch or steps near the front door to attract buyers' eyes to your home.  A good alternate plan would be a seasonal wreath on the front door.

When prospective buyers see how beautiful and well-maintained your home appears from the street, they will be anxious to contact your agent for an appointment, expecting to see the same level of maintenance and design inside!