Carrie Thompson - HOME-SELLING SECRETS FROM A TOP AGENT

If it could be either fixed or replaced, choose the cheapest option. • The front door is a great place to add a splash of (tasteful) color. You could also consider a faux-painting technique to create a wood grain look.

CURB APPEAL

Pretty much nothing matters more when trying to sell a house than curb appeal. It telegraphs what the inside of your home might look like. If your curb appeal is great, you might draw people in to see inside—even people who’ve just happened to drive by. If it’s not so great, you might have people refusing to step through the front door even if the inside’s the most gorgeous home interior to ever exist. There are many details to think about when it comes to curb appeal, including the following: • Plants, bushes, trees, and flower beds should be clean and neat and shouldn’t overpower the house. Depending on the season, flowers should be used to add pops of color and interest. Tree branches shouldn’t be dangerously dangling over the house, walkway, or driveway. • Just like the inside, the outside should be depersonalized. Don’t clutter it with your decorations. • Make sure all painted surfaces and mortar are in good condition. • Check that railings and walkway stones are all secure. • Like the front door, the garage door should look solid and appealing and should function correctly. I know there’s a lot in this chapter, but I promise you it’s all worth it. When all these things are taken care of, your home will stand 48

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