Featured Seller Tip
Spruce Up The Outside
Paint - Few things you can do will enhance the salability of your house quite as much as painting the outside. Before painting, scrape or water-blast any blistered or peeling paint; replace gutters and down-spouts; and replace wood showing dry rot. Wood, trim, gutters, and wrought iron should receive primary attention.
Front Entry - Give special care to this area. This is where buyers get their first opportunity to make a close inspection, and they will pick it apart looking for flaws, so eliminate them. All woodwork should be freshly and neatly painted, including the door if necessary. Replace a badly worn or broken doorbell button. Polish any door brass. Paint or replace and unsightly mailbox. Put out a new or clean doormat.
Yard - Mow and trim the lawn. Weed flower beds; remove or replace dead plants or trees. Water regularly during the growing season. Make sure not underlying plastic is showing.
Driveway, Garage/Carport - Clean up grease or oil spots. Remove the soil at least, if not the stains. See that the garage door opens freely, and if you have an automatic door opener, make sure it is in good working order. If possible, do not park cars in front of the house or in the driveway, and try to have very few parked cars on the street near the house. Recreation vehicles or boats should be in the garage or carport or behind a fence in the back. Derelict cars or ones being overhauled should not be visible from the street and preferably should not even be present. Fence - A few missing stakes or slats are real eyesores to buyers. Yet usually they are inexpensive and easy to fix. Repair, paint, or stain as necessary.
Roof - Remove any visible debris or toys. Straighten the TV antenna if necessary. Remove any tree branches bearing on the roof. Air Conditioners - Paint or replace any rusted exposed metal. Correct improper draining.
Patio - A nice spread of outdoor furniture looks very appealing. If necessary, borrow some from a friend to enhance the show ability of your property. Buyers need help to visualize the home as their own. Swimming Pool - Adjust chemicals until the pool sparkles. Hose dust and cobwebs from the filtration equipment. Store chemicals and tools neatly.