The Home Front

Your property's landscape is not limited to the lawn and shrubs but encompasses everything from the street to your doorstep.  For this reason, you must make sure each component of the visual landscape looks it's best.  The real estate industry refers to this as "curb appeal."

Street
Make sure the street in front of your house is free of litter or debris.  If necessary give it a fresh sweep.

Fire Hydrant
Although you do not own the fire hydrant in front of your house, you should still be concerned about how it looks.  If it needs a freshening up, get permission from your town and paint it.

Sidewalk
Sweep your sidewalk if needed and remove weeds that may be growing between the cracks.

Fence
A freshly painted fence gives a home a crisp look.  You should never let a peeling, tired-looking fence or squeaky gate stand between a prospective buyer and a positive first impression.

Mailbox/Light Fixtures
A quick painting of an old mailbox will let the buyer know you care about the details.  If outdoor lamps look rusted and worn out, new ones will cast a positive light on your property.

Landscaping
Neatly trimmed shrubs are essential.  Taking the time to do this cost little, but has a big impact.  Besides being freshly mowed and trimmed, a lawn should look healthy.  If there are spots that look beyond help, a little sod goes a long way to restoring the look of a well-maintained lawn.

Front Walkway
Like the sidewalk, the walkway should be clean and free of weeds.  If sections are badly cracked, consider having them repaired.

Driveway
There are two elements of the driveway with which you should be concerned.  The first is its surface condition.  If stained or otherwise worn-looking, consider resealing it with a high quality sealer product.  Second is the appearance of the car parked in the driveway.  A newly waxed, well-maintained automobile will make a much different statement about you and your property than an unattractive, poorly cared for car.  If you think your car will be a detriment to the look of your property, park it down the street.

Paint
A fresh coat of paint can be one of the best investments you can make to increase the value of your property.  If you do not want to spend the money to paint the entire house, consider just the shutters or the front of the house.

Siding
If you have a vinyl or aluminum siding, have a cleaning service wash or repaint it using a product designed for these materials.

Windows
Attractive windows can help increase the appeal of your property.
   *Replace any cracked or broken glass.
   *Make sure the windows are sparkling clean.
   *Add shutters to the front of your house.
   *Install window boxes with bright flowers.
   *Apply touch-up paint where needed.

Roof
The roof may be the single most important aspect of your home front.  A well maintained roof will say a lot about the overall condition of the property.
   *Replace any broken or missing shingles or tiles.
   *Repair flashing where needed.
   *Paint eaves and fascia boards.
   *If the room is old and needs to be replaced, consider having the work
    done before showing the property.

Gutters/Downspots
Neat and trim-looking gutters and downspouts make a house look shipshape.  Consider replacing highly visible ones if they are in need of serious repair.  If run off areas are eroded, you can install concrete (or other) "spillways."

Doorway
The doorway is the focal point of your house.
   *Repaint the door.
   *Apply new door hardware.
   *Install a brass kick plate.
   *Replace house numbers.
   *Put a flower box or planter alongside the door.
   *Install a new front light fixture.