Five Ways to Create Great Curb Appeal

1. Start with the overall picture. How’s the lawn? Does it need fertilizer and water to make it green and inviting? Planting flowers is also a great way to add color and appeal.
2. Can you see your house? Trees should frame the house, not block its view. If possible, clear out trees and shrubs that block the front view and detract from it. Of course, if you have 100-year-old sycamores, cutting them down may not be a good idea. Older trees lining the streets make some neighborhoods appealing. Foundation shrubs should be trimmed down to no more than 3–4 feet high. A big no-no is letting shrubs grow so tall that they block front windows.
3. Follow the steps a buyer would take to your front door. How are the walkway, the porch, or steps and any railings? This is critical—the buyer’s mind is recording all this with DVD clarity.
4. The entryway is another important impression-making item. Make sure your front door is freshly painted or stained and the fixtures free of tarnish. If the front door has seen better days, replace it with a model that complements your house style. Oh, and don’t forget the porch light fixture.
5. The roof is an important part of your curb appeal. If your roof is 10 years plus, it’s a good idea to get a roofing inspector to look at it. Get the inspection in writing with the inspector’s contractor’s license number clearly legible. Having this inspection will show potential buyers the roof’s condition when they ask. If the roof is getting old and shingles are missing and/or curled, consider springing for a reshingle. It’s going to cost you a lot more when all you get is low offers because buyers get a fixer-upper image of your home.