You know first impressions are lasting impressions. When it comes to selling your house in the Indianapolis Area, curb appeal is the first impression, and can make the difference between selling your home and not selling it.

 

The human mind is a complex thing – and it often makes us see what we expect to see.

 

When a buyer sees a well-tended yard and home exterior, they enter the house expecting to see more of the same, and they generally do. When they see an un-tended lawn, weeds, and a torn screen door, they enter the house expecting to see signs of neglect and deferred maintenance – and that's what they see.

 

That means… it pays to spend time making sure your home's curb appeal is the best it can be.

 

With that in mind, here's a check list of tasks to undertake before the first buyer or buyer's agent views your home:

 

The house itself:

•  Power wash and repaint if necessary.
•  Check the front door for scuffs and scratches – repaint with an appealing color or even replace it with a nicer looking door. Check the back door and repaint if necessary.
• If you have pets be sure to check for and remove muddy prints from the doors every day.
• Screen doors – make sure all screens are in good repair, hinges are tight, and the handle/ latch works properly.
• Windows and screens – wash, then repair any torn screens.
• Replace cracked windows.
• Clean the gutters.
• Check all window frames and door frames for spider webs. Those critters work fast, so if your family usually uses the back door, check the front door daily.
• Check your porch lights for unsightly bugs.

The yard:

• Keep the grass watered, mowed, and edged.
• Trim or remove overgrown plantings – let people see the house!
• Add color with flower beds and/or potted plants on porch or steps.
• Add fresh mulch to the flower beds and around the shrubs and ornamental bushes.
• Check the fence and gate for sags. If it needs new paint, paint it.
• Check the walk for large cracks and other tripping hazards. Repair or remove.
• Add an attractive doormat.
• Pick up and put away/dispose of everything that doesn't belong – check for and remove kids' toys, flyers, candy wrappers, hoses, gardening tools, etc. every day. (Remember, some people do drive by before they decide whether they want to see the interior.) 

Should you need help with any of these tasks, get in touch with me at 317-695-5764. I keep a list of trusted Indianapolis Area service providers and I'll be glad to share their names.