(ROI). And don’t forget about your back door. If you have a sliding screen door to your backyard, check to see if it needs adjustment or a new screen. Front lawn: Your walkway and front door might look appealing, but what if your lawn doesn’t? Prospective buyers will be turned off and might not even bother with the rest of your home. The trick with an appealing front lawn is to ensure it’s neat, well-kept, and well-manicured, yet doesn’t give off the impression that it’s too high-maintenance. For example, having the grass trimmed is a basic but much- needed consideration. Don’t forget to attack those weeds. Add fertilizer and seed if needed. Also, a simple garden with bright flowers, and a healthy dose of mulch, add a nice touch. But if there’s too much going on, it might give off the wrong “high- maintenance” impression. Backyard. By the time a buyer gets to the backyard, their decision could already be made, but that doesn’t mean you can skimp on backyard “curb” appeal. When potential buyers reach the backyard, they’ll likely be picturing themselves there—relaxing, playing with children or pets, having company over, etc. Your job is to make that vision work for them. What we said about your front lawn applies to your backyard. Keep the grass trimmed and neat, add a few plants and flowers there, keep it tidy, and don’t overdo it with “extras.” Consider adding some high-quality, neutral-colored patio furniture to give off that relaxing vibe. Repair: When scrutinizing your home’s exterior, you might notice something that needs to be repaired or replaced, such as your roof, which might need new shingles. In the next chapter, we’ll talk about repairs and improvements that are worth your time and money before you sell (as well as those that aren’t).
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