Garden Beds

What do your garden beds look like? If you see weeds and dirt, it’s time to clean them up. Start by pulling out any weeds. And if topsoil is visible, it’s best to add a layer of mulch to hide the dirt. Don’t forget the garden bed edges either, by ensuring that you or your gardener uses a edger to properly trim the area that lines between the garden bed and grassy lawn.

Remove any wilting or dead plants and replace with springy new plants. Bring some color to your garden beds and remember, there are some brilliant shades of green that will do just fine.

Doors

At a minimum, that requires no additional cost, be sure to thoroughly clean your front door of dirt and insects.  If a prospective Buyer is greeted by an unsightly front door with insects and webs hanging, they’re immediately concerned about what the inside may look like once they step over the threshold.

If your door could benefit from a coat of paint, that would be ideal, plus it’s affordable.

Front Door Handle

Has your door handle seen it’s better days? Consider changing it out if it’s dull and aged.

Welcome Mat

If your current mat located at the foot of your front door has seen it’s better days, now is a good time to replace it with a fresh, new welcome mat. Plus, a welcome mat can go along way in ridding your home of unwanted dirt brought in by prospective home buyers.

Windows

Make them shine so the birds will fly through them or at least try to fly through them. Try a bucket of warm water with a few cups of vinegar added. Or if your windows are really dirty you might have to wash with a bucket of soapy water, squeegee and then finish with the vinegar/water mixture. Wipe down and dry. Know that newspaper can make for a great way to dry them. Or if you no longer read a newspaper due to our digital age, try some packing paper that you may already have from a mover you’ve hired to move you and your family.

House Numbers

Consider updating your home’s house numbers to what’s the latest trend for identifying a home’s address. There are many styles to choose from that will fit your home’s design style.  You can get ideas online if you are not sure what you’d like.

Front Patio/Porch

Perhaps one of the most powerful ways in which to maximize your home’s curb appeal is to stage your front porch.  It’s a way to make your home smile from the outside, simply by setting up an area that says; welcome to our home…can’t you just imagine living here?!

Whether you have a simpler, small scale area or a full scale large front porch, there are a number of things that you can do to set the stage for what awaits for a prospective Buyer inside, and remember to always reduce the clutter.

Small scale front patio/porch – add a large flower/plant pot or two with freshly planted flowers or bright, colorful foliage that would flank the front door. Or consider an attractive decorative outdoor accessory that will compliment your home’s style.

Larger front patio/porch – if your home has the larger footprint for patio furniture, tables, etc., you’ll find it a lot easier to draw in the Buyer with an attractive combination of patio furniture. And adding an outdoor rug under the seating area will tie it all together.

Clean your patio furniture or put on a fresh coat of paint, if needed or possible. What do your seat cushions look like? Are they faded and/or torn? Be sure to replace them if they’re worn and tattered or clean them if you can remove any stains.

Continue with the flower/plant pots as you would with the small scale front patio/porch discussed above.

It’s all about creating a conversation area on your patio. Let the Buyers imagine themselves sitting down to a morning cup of coffee or a evening glass of wine or beer.  Or just relaxing while they watch their kids play around in the front yard.

Mailbox

If your mailbox is leaning or has a few dings in it, now before selling your home, you could replace it, paint it or repair the box. Or if you live in a community with matching mailboxes and your Homeowner’s Association keeps the mailboxes in good condition, you’re in luck…you won’t have to worry about a shoddy mailbox.

Roof And Gutters

With the recent introduction of drone aerial camera photography and videos from above, a dirty or really old roof will be glaring in the images taken. Not all Real Estate Agents use drone photography, yet those that do understand this very well.

Not only will a dirty roof be clearly visible from above, it’s also an integral part of making sure your homes’ curb appeal is maximized when seen from the street. Have your roof pressure cleaned and clean out your gutters.  Don’t let a prospective Buyer notice the plants growing out of your gutter or a filthy, dirty roof.

Fence

Repair a fence in need of repair. Closely manicure any shrubs, plants or trees nearby the fence to free it of any overgrown areas. Allow for easy access through the fence gate if your gate is not locked.

Trash And Recycle Cans

Tuck your trash and recycle cans away. Make sure they are hidden from the curb and keeping them in the garage for the showing time period would be ideal if you have the space. It’s nice to also wipe them down from dirt or cobwebs in case they are visible.

Pool

While the pool area can not likely be seen from the curb, it is important to include it as part of your curb appeal preparations being an extension of the front yard. Have your pool cleaned, remove pool toys and anything around the pool that shows as clutter.

Grilling Area

Again, like the pool area, your grilling area is an extension of your front yard so make sure it too is clean and ready for grilling. You can emphasize your grilling area by having any grill cover removed and positioned well on your back patio. If your grill area includes an outdoor Kitchen it would be beneficial to stage it too with things such as utensils, hot pads, outdoor dishware, etc. Or what about that outdoor pizza oven you have? Stage it with a pizza and sauce before it goes in the oven.

Back Yard Lawn Furniture

Clean your patio furniture, repair any hanging straps or paint it, if needed. Also, be sure to arrange your backyard lawn furniture just like you set it up on the front patio.  Be sure to have your furniture cleaned and neatly arranged for lounging. Always a great idea to stage a backyard just like you would on a front patio/porch.  Make it inviting for visiting, prospective home Buyers to get a good feel of how they could enjoy life in the backyard.

Christmas Decorations

By all means, make sure they’re packed away, if it’s not the Christmas season.

Wrap Up

As you have likely now learned, much of maximizing your home’s curb appeal doesn’t always have to mean you have to spend tens of thousands of dollars, but rather in knowing what you should address and what home Buyers will be focusing on when they come calling on your home.

Use this checklist and print it out if that will help. Start with the first item and go through making sure that you have addressed each item. Once you’re finished, you’re that much closer to being ready to market your home for sale and to sell it quickly and for top dollar.