You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. From the minute potential buyers drive up to your house, they start formulating opinions. So, to start things off on the right foot, pay attention to “curb appeal” – how your residence looks from the street.

While some efforts cost a fair amount of money, others are rather inexpensive or simply involve elbow grease. Things to consider include:

Landscaping

Who can resist a freshly mowed lawn? Likewise, keep bushes trim, especially if they block windows. Pull weeds from cracks in the driveway and sidewalk. Consider planting some colorful flowers.

Cleaning

Declutter as much as possible – roll up the garden hose, store the children’s bikes in the garage, and the like. Monitor your yard for stray garbage. Wash all the windows. Consider renting a pressure washer and giving the house a good once-over to help it sparkle.

Repairing

When customers see ripped screens or a wobbly porch, they might start to wonder how committed you’ve been to upkeep. Fix anything you can.

Refreshing

Depending on the state of the house and your budget, actions such as repainting the outside, replacing the garage door, or resurfacing the driveway could be smart. But little things such as installing an attractive new mailbox or putting up some shiny new house numbers also can make a difference.

Decorating

Finally, consider giving the place some extra touches that subtly say “home sweet home.” A fresh welcome mat, a tasteful seasonal wreath on the front door, or some attractive window boxes provide a cozy feeling that encourages people to come on in!