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Curb Appeal Checklist

Published January 1, 2009
By Brad Bergamini  

First impressions are extremely important. 75% of their decision is made before they step inside.

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  • Start with the mailbox, remove all signs of deterioration, repaint, and put on new numbers.
  • If there are flowers around the mailbox base make them look as fresh as possible.
  • Kill mold and mildew on the house, sidewalks, roof, or driveway.
  • Keep sidewalks and driveways clean.
  • Repair any cracks in the driveway and walk ways.
  • Keep the lawn neatly cut and get rid of weeds. Your goal should be to make home buyers stop and say ‘Wow!’
  • Edge sidewalks and remove vegetation growing between concrete and bricks.
  • Rake and dispose of leaves, even if your lot is wooded.
  • Trim tree limbs that are near or touching the roof.
  • Keep flower beds weed-free; pick up dead branches.
  • Most home buyers like an interior with lots of natural lighting. Trim trees and shrubs to make sure they do not obscure views or keep light from streaming through windows
  • Place trash containers and other similar items out of sight.
  • Remove all toys, bicycles, tools, unsightly patio furniture, trash, etc. from the yard.
  • Stow away unnecessary garden implements, hoses and tools.
  • Firewood should be neatly stacked or out of sight.
  • Use flowering plants to dress up the yard, walkways, and patio.
  • Make any repairs to fences on the property that appear run down, sagging or squeaking gates, missing pickets, rusty latches, or pealing paint.
  • Touch up exterior paint if necessary. Faded or chipped exterior paint is an immediate buyer turnoff. New paint is not a quick-fix, but is a great way to add appeal and increase market value.
  • Make the front entrance of your home clean and attractive. The entry should be spotless and freshly painted if necessary. Buy a new doormat. Add a wreath or other decorating elements.
  • Make sure the front door, storm door, screen door, etc. work wonderfully.
  • Outdoor furniture should be kept clean and/or repainted if necessary.
  • Porches, steps, verandas, balconies, patios and other extensions of the house should be kept uncluttered, swept and in good condition.
  • Shades and awnings should be in good condition. Replace if the color has faded. Remove windsocks.
  • Shutters and trim should be in perfect condition.
  • Clean, repair or paint the gutters and downspouts. Point downspouts away from the foundation.
  • Replace dated or tarnished outdoor light fixtures, install new bulbs.
  • All roof shingles, tiles, etc. should be secured or replace. If the roof leaks, fix it.