The Exterior of Your Home

Most real estate advice tells you to work on the interior of the house first, but unless there is a major project involved, Realty Corporation of America believes it is best to do it last.
There are two reasons for this: First, the exterior of your home creates the buyer’s first impression and many clients drive by potential houses before requesting an interior preview.  If they do not like what they see, and given the large number of homes on the market, they simply do not consider looking at a property with no “curb appeal”.  Secondly, preparing the interior of the house is easier. Looking objectively at the exterior of your house can help you develop the proper mindset required for selling, which is beginning to think of your home as a marketable commodity.
So take a walk across the street and take a good look at your house. Look at nearby houses, too, and see how yours compares.

Landscaping
Evaluate your landscaping compared with other homes on your street.  Consider adding bushes, mulching and weeding beds and, if necessary, remove bushes that are partially dead or overgrown.
 
If you have an area for flowers, planting colorful flowers adds to the appearance and warmth of your home. They also add a splash of vibrancy and color, creating a favorable first impression.

Your lawn should be evenly cut, freshly edged, well watered, and free of brown spots. Consider fertilizing your yard to give the lawn a rich, green color.  Finally, rake up loose leaves and grass cuttings.

House Exterior
Quite often, the seller’s biggest decision is whether to paint or not to paint the exterior of their home prior to placing their property on the market. When you look at your house from across the street, does it look tired and faded? If so, a paint job may be in order. Painting an exterior is often a good investment and significantly enhances the appearance of a house, adding dollars to offers from potential homebuyers.

When choosing a color, consider neutral colors and the color selection should fit well in your neighborhood. Of course, the style of your home should be considered, along with appropriate trim colors.
 
Carefully evaluate the age and condition of your roof.  Replace any damaged or missing shingles and clean gutters.  Most roofs have an average life of approximately 25 years.  If your roof is approaching the end of its useful life, you may need to offer the buyer a credit towards the cost of a new roof.

Lastly, if you have an asphalt driveway, resealing the drive is an extremely cost effective technique to add value and appeal to your home and give the exterior a fresh appearance. 

The Back Yard
The back yard should be tidy. If you have a pool or spa, keep it freshly maintained and constantly cleaned. For those that have dogs, be sure to constantly keep the area clear of "debris." In addition, power washing or cleaning a rear deck is a wise idea.

The Front Door & Entryway
The front door should be especially sharp, since it is the entryway into the house. Polish the door fixture so it gleams. If the front door is in need of refinishing or repainting, please do so – this is one of the smartest investments a seller can make!

Purchase a new plush door mat and consider replacing old or tired porch lights or mailbox to add appeal to your home.  Finally, make sure the lock works easily and the key fits properly.