“First impressions are lasting impressions.” It’s a simple statement, but powerfully important in preparing your home for sale. Potential buyers will be “inspecting” your home. They will be looking for reasons to, and not to, buy your home. Highlighting the reasons to buy your home is the key!
Exterior Considerations
The outside of your home is the first thing a buyer sees on his/her way down the street. The exterior’s condition sets a buyer’s expectations for the interior. You want the potential buyer to feel a “pride of ownership.” Below are some recommended steps to preparing your home’s outside:
Front & Back Yard
• Mow and edge grass. Remove fallen branches and debris.
• Trim overgrown hedges, weed flower beds and remove any dead trees.
• Plant flowers by the entryways in flower beds or potted arrangements.
• Store away children’s toys and gardening equipment.
Front Entry
• Keep the front entry clean and uncluttered.
• Replace any old doormat with a new clean one.
• Fix or replace improperly working or unsightly door fixtures.
• Polish door fixtures and consider freshly painting the front door.
Siding & Trim
• Replace or reattach broken trim, siding, shutters and gutters.
• Consider painting exterior trim, shutters and gutters to add highlights.
• If necessary, have the exterior freshly painted.
Roof
• Remove any fallen tree branches, leaves or other debris.
• Replace worn or missing shingles.
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
