Home Improvement Help and Maintenance Tips:
Curb Appeal

No matter in which price range your house falls, the buyer’s first impression is one that sets the mode for the transaction. The phrase “curb appeal” is not just another cute phrase, it plays a large role in getting high market value for your house. The first impression certainly starts with the exterior.

There are inexpensive things you can do to achieve good "curb appeal", such as:

• Keep the grass freshly cut
• Avoid clutter in the yard
• Fresh paint on wooden fences
• The front door needs to look good (fresh paint) if needed
• Make sure that all door handles are tight and clean
• Wash or paint the exterior of the house
• Make sure the windows are cleaned inside and out
• Make sure that gutters and downspouts are firmly attached, and in good working order
• Fresh mulch in flower borders

Tips for the interior include:

• Avoid excessive things hanging on the wall
• Avoid excessive knick-knacks sitting around
• Keep rooms as open as possible (you may consider a temporary self-storage unit)
• Clean or paint walls and ceilings
• Carpets should be clean and smell good
• Remove things from under the sink cabinets
• Repair all plumbing leaks, this includes leaking faucets, and duct-tape drain traps
• Make sure all light fixtures are clean and free of dust

Sight is not the only thing that makes a good first impression, the nose plays its part as well. These things will help in that department:

• Keep the central air filter changed (it makes no difference if it is the heating or cooling season)
• Pour water in basement floor drains (this keeps the drain traps from becoming dry, and letting in sewer odor)
• Control cigarette and pet odor

When making a real estate transaction, hiring professionals will help you get the most value for you transaction. Real Estate Professionals and Professional Home Inspectors are key players to have on your team to protect this important investment.