Exterior and Curb Appeal
Experts say most buyers make their decision at first sight!

General Exterior
Prospective buyers will react well to signs your home has been meticulously maintained.

•  Manicure landscaping: mow, edge and water lawn, trim hedges, weed and fertilize flower bed, and prune new trees.
•  Keep driveway clean and free of parked cars, and keep the garage door closed.
•  Repair or replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
•  Minimize cracks or crumbling on walkways, walls, or steps, and keep them clean and free of obstructions like toys or snow
•  Items from RV’s to waste cans left out can contribute to a cluttered or busy appearance. Make sure that from the street, your
   property appears clear
•  Inspect appearance of interior window coverings from the curb.
•  Repair any peeling paint or loose caulking on windows or other areas.
•  Take steps to eliminate insect or rodent pests.
•  Pick up after your pets or neighborhood animals.

Doorway
While agents work the lockbox for a key, buyers have idle time to notice details.

•  Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door and frame
•  Consider adding pots of flowering plants in the entryway if weather permits
•  Eliminate cobwebs and groom doorway area windows, porch light, or decorative glass

Interior Appeal Clean, Clear, Light and Bright
Once inside, experts say most buyers are reaffirming their curbside decision.

•  Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning and remove all clutter. Hiring a cleaning service may pay for
   itself by adding to a buyer’s perceived value of your home.
•  For a sleeker, more spacious look, consider placing furniture from crowded rooms in storage.
•  Clear kitchen counters of everything other than perhaps a few very pretty items. Ask yourself: In a model home,
   would a professional decorator put your choice of items out on the counter?
•  Remember: closets will be opened! Keep closets, cupboards, and even your attic orderly and neat. Since you
   are anticipating a move anyway, consider holding a garage sale or boxing and storing unused belongings
•  If necessary, repaint or clean/replace dingy, soiled or strongly-colored walls, and window and floor coverings
   with a light, neutral shade. Bright rooms look bigger, and neutral colors help buyers envision their own furnishings and decor.
•  Repair dripping faucets, burned-out light bulbs, or cracked windowpanes
•  Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, and tiles.

  Warm and Homey

•  Subtle scents of potpourri in bedrooms or baths and fresh baked cookies or cinnamon in the kitchen
   can make your home more inviting.
•  Keep an attractive set of towels in each bathroom to be brought out only for showings