A large percentage of homebuyers decide whether or not to look inside your house is based on curb appeal.  You can help to make sure they want to come inside by spending some time working on its exterior appearance.  It can be difficult to look at your own house the way that potential buyers do, because we become accustomed to the way something looks and functions, we can't see it's faults.

The next time you come home, stop across the street to get a good view of the house and its surroundings.

1.What is the first impression of the house and yard area?

2.What are the best exterior features of the house or lot? How can you enhance them?

3.What are the worst exterior features of the house or lot? How can you minimize or improve them?

Take photos of the home's exterior. If you have a digital camera view the color versions first, then remove the color and look at it in black and white, because it's easier to see problems when color isn't around to affect our senses.

Make a list of the problem areas you discovered. Tackle clean up and repair chores first, then put some time into projects that make the grounds more attractive.

-Kill mold and mildew of the house, sidewalk, roof or driveway.

-Stow away unnecessary garden implements and tools.

-Clean windows and gutters.

-Pressure wash dirty siding and dingy decks.

-Edge sidewalks and remove vegetation growing between concrete or bricks.

-Mow the lawn and get rid of weeds.

-Rake a dispose of leaves, even if your lot is wooded.

-Trim tree limbs that are near or touching the home's roof.

-Plant flowers or add flowering pots for the front porch.