Your home's exterior creates the prospective buyer's first impression
Since the exterior of your home is the first thing a prospective buyer sees, a little time and effort can make a big difference in the impression your home creates. And pay big dividends when the sale is made. Use this check list to make sure your home's exterior looks its best:
- Lawn is well cut and neatly trimmed around the walks and drive.
- Flower garden is weeded.
- Shrubs are trimmed and dead trees and branches are eliminated.
- All debris is disposed of and toys and lawn equipment are neatly stored.
- Fences and gates are repaired and repainted, if necessary.
- The roof, gutters and downspout are in good repair.
- Driveways and sidewalks are washed down and checked for cracking and crumbling.
- Cracked windows and torn screens are replaced. Screens, windows and window sills are washed. Doorknobs are polished.
- Doorbell and front lights are in good working order.
- First Class, Priority and Express Mail: 12 months unless otherwise requested by mailer.
- Newspapers and Magazines: 60 days.
- Packages weighing 16 ounces or more: 12 months locally (you pay forwarding charges if you move outside the local area. If you do not want this class of mail forwarded, contact your local Post Office).
- Mail Address Change Notification cards to people and businesses who send you mail.
If you have planned to paint the house within the coming year, consider painting the house before showing it. A new paint job, well done, will normally enhance the sale value a good deal more than the cost of the paint.If your home's exterior looks clean, orderly and in good repair, that's the impression your house will first convey.