with an unkept walkway, uncut grass, and a paint-peeling front door. 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, weeds, and a weather-worn exterior. It is no stretch to think a buyer will believe the home is neglected on the inside as well. Look at your home as a prospective buyer would. Drive up to the curb and take inventory of everything that needs attention. Simple improvements like weeding, trimming, window washing, and repairing torn screens can improve the appearance of a home with little to no expense. Other repairs and repainting may be costlier but often tell in metrics like time-to-sale and sale price. Low-cost investments like power washing the home and concrete, repainting trim, and adding landscaping also give your house more curb appeal. The goal here is to get more money for your home. Homebuyers generally are not interested in a home that needs work unless you want to sell below market value. Look around your yard and make a written list of everything that could be improved: • Shrubs trimmed, flower gardens tended, beds weeded and walkways tidy. • No trash, trash cans, lawn clippings, branches, or general mess in the yard. • All outside fixtures and components working and in good repair (door and yard lights, garage door, porch rails); functioning properly and looking their best. (Spray paint can work wonders on rusted exterior light fixtures too!) • Outdoor features such as patio furniture or decks should 30
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