If you want to sell your home, keep in mind that the exterior of a home is always a buyer’s first impression. You want the exterior to have curb appeal, drawing buyers in at a glance. Curb appeal comes from visual attractiveness, cleanliness and attention to detail.

Next time you drive by your house, try this: write down your first impressions. Ask a friend or relative to do the same, make sure they are giving you honest feedback. Does the landscaping appear well groomed or is it overgrown and cluttered? Is the driveway in good shape, when is the last time it was pressure washed? Can you easily see your homes architecture or is it blocked by overgrown trees and bushes? How about your roof? What kind of condition is it in? Make a list and highlight the items that need attention.

The exterior is the first thing a buyer sees and will likely determine whether or not they even want to step inside. A good exterior will excite buyers with the anticipation of how it will look inside. A bad exterior will scare buyers away with the assumption that the inside won’t be much better. You can’t please everybody when it comes to the first impression of your home, but you can leave an impression that will be positively perceived by most.

Small improvements can go a long way. An exquisite entry way and well-groomed landscape can make a sale while poor ones can break a sale. The truth is, without curb appeal many buyers will reject the home without giving it a second glance. With great curb appeal, buyers will keep a more open mind and be more responsive to a slightly higher price tag.

Paint, rake, wash, sweep, trim, and organize. Get used to these steps and understand their value in creating a home that a buyer wants to buy. These are the action steps you will be using to tackle most of the items on the list.

Never underestimate the importance of your homes exterior image and curb appeal. Many sellers neglect curb appeal because they think it will cost an arm and a leg. The good news is that a small budget can go a long way – you don’t need to spend a lot to strengthen your homes exterior appeal.

Agents certified by AdvantageU – Home Sellers Resource have a detailed list of specific steps you can take to ensure your home stands out to buyers. They can show you simple, effective ways to enhance your exterior without breaking the bank.

For now, please feel free to download a copy of the Ultimate Home Sellers Checklist. visit www.advantageu.com/checklist