I had a weekly feedback call with one of my sellers today, and the topic came about that brought two specific questions:

1. What is curb appeal?
2. How do I improve curb appeal?
   

I gave my normal response to this question, and answered generally around the first impressions that a buyer will get upon driving up to your home.  After the call, I sat for 10 minutes wondering how I could better answer this question and how I could better service my clients with higher quality advice.

A google search will bring up About.com's article about curb appeal, and how to improve it.  One particular comment from the author, Janet Wickell, struck me:

"Decide right now to stop thinking of the property as a home. It's a house—a commodity you want to sell for the highest dollar possible."

This is such a simple message yet effective when delivered to your sellers in a non-emotional, straight up approach.  I feel that there are simple items that real estate professionals can advise for their clients to pay attention to when working on curb appeal:

1. Keep the yard mowed.
2. Keep the front street free of any obstacles, such as vehicles.
3. Clear the front porch area.

What do you think would be some ideas you could touch upon with your clients in order to help your client get the most positive feedback from prospective buyers?

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Steve Castaneda, Realtor, is a real estate consultant specializing in the Houston Texas Real Estate market, and focuses on providing a high level of service, excellent communication, and a strong dedication to each and every one of his clients.