We have a fistfull of homes that we are in various stages of preparing for sale...Sellers with different reasons and timetables ....a soon to be vacated tenant occupied estate, job relocations, downsizing and upsizing.
Wisconsin weather has been intermittenly cooperative with exterior work. Just when you hit days in 60's and dare I say 70....a short lived snow fall interrupts exterior painting. Painters recommend a consistent minimum of 40 degrees or more for exterior paint.
We are for the most part...an area where attached garages 
are the order of the day....and because of that...homeowners use their front door very infrequently....But it will be the first introduction to the house a Buyer may be calling their new home.
Weather may not have been kind to the finish of the door and frame/trim aroumd it...attention to paint or stain for no peeling, chipping, cracking or tired fading is one place to start. While you have hardware from the door removed to paint or stain it...should it be replaeed ? Has the metal corroded with the elements assaulting it ? From the hinges to the lock and handle or knob....evaluate it all.
It may be time to say goodbye to the Lion's head door knocker or the one that once had legible initials on it. New finish/paint is a great time to fill in the "hardware holes" and recycle the knocker.
Make the same careful observation with the lights...are they more decorative than helpful...do they light the area well? Consider not only the cosmetic finish but the safety aspect...tooo small is not helpful.
If you choose live plants as opposed to tasteful artificial arrangments, be sure that they receive the TLC they need to stay healthy...that dead blossoms and leaves are removed frequently and watering/feeding done regularly.
Keep in mind this is a decorative accent...not a whole garden accented by wreaths and vines...be welcoming but overwhelming to your guests.
If front step/porch is painted or covered be sure it is clean and fresh. 
The final touch....the welcome mat....whether you choose a colorful accent or more utilitarian woven variety...be sure it is clean and really says "welcome" to all who enter.
This has been what we hope is a "welcome reminder" for Sellers getting their homes ready for sale and the agents who assist them to put their best homes forward for the highest and best price by Sally K. and David L. Hanson, Broker Associates, EXP Realty honored to be of assistance for all things real estate in southeastern Wisconsin.
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