Rehabbers look for ugly houses to pay the least amount possible; homebuyers looking for a deal — not a "basement bargain" — do not want an unattractive home. Creating curb appeal is essential to attracting interest in your home. How your home looks from the road is so persuasive that a well-prepared house may catch the attention of buyers who did not find the written description particularly compelling. Likewise, a neglected home can cause a buyer previously excited by the report to cruise right on by. Take a moment to step outside and observe your home from the street. Is it visually appealing, clean, and well-maintained? Or are there any necessary repairs that you've overlooked? After living in a house for an extended period, assessing it objectively cannot be easy. Consider seeking recommendations and advice from real estate experts, friends, or potential buyers on how to enhance the presentation of your home. Take a drive around your neighborhood and surrounding areas to observe which homes for sale catch your eye and note the reasons why. You will likely find well-maintained homes with trimmed bushes, well-groomed lawns, attractive landscaping, and impressive entrances more appealing than houses with unkempt walkways, overgrown grass, and peeling paint on their front doors. The outside appearance of a property needs to be an invitation to come inside. Potential homebuyers are drawn to welcoming entries and uncluttered yards. They are unlikely to be attracted to a home with dead shrubbery and a weather-worn exterior. It is no stretch to think a buyer will also believe the home is neglected on the inside. Look at your home as a potential buyer would. Drive up to the curb and take inventory of everything that needs attention. Low-
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