When getting ready to sell your house, it is important to pay attention to the outside as well as the inside. You may not be able to do anything about the pink flamingos your neighbor has, but there are things you can do to enhance your yard and increase the chances potential buyers will take a second look.
Evaluate what you have
It is important to take a critical look at the outside of your home to determine what should and can be done. Remove any dead trees or shrubs and keep the ones you have trimmed. If removing a tree or shrub leaves you with a bare spot, replace it. Trees can be replaced with miniatures and ornamentals for much less than a full size tree would cost.
Keep it clean and neat
A home is always more attractive when everything is tidy. Maintain your lawn and keep it mowed. Even if you battle weeds or have already given up and let them overtake your yard, a mown lawn minimizes the eyesore. Make sure hoses are coiled and toys are put away. Also, sweep the porch and put a welcome mat by the front door to make your home more inviting.
Plant flowers
If your home doesn’t have much in the way of landscaping or flower beds, adding some will help freshen things up. You don’t have to go overboard; too much landscaping can be off-putting to many home buyers. By purchasing annuals, your yard will get an immediate face lift without a hefty price tag. If it’s winter, you can always place a colorful wreath on the front door.
Make repairs
Even if the yard is well-ordered and maintained, a home will look shabby if it isn’t in good repair. Make sure to seal cracks in your driveway and that porches and steps are level and stable. If you have a deck, consider a fresh coat of paint or re-staining it. Power washing a brick or sided home can also improve the appearance for little money.