Afterwards discuss any areas that could use improvement and what steps should be taken to make the home show its best. It’s important to remember that when a prospective buyer visits the property, the curb appeal be the first and last impression of the property, so make sure it’s the best impression possible. Curb appeal is also one of the few things about a property that can be changed with very little cost, if these items are not take care of it will lower the offers on the listing.

Most people prefer to put their home on the market just the way it is to test the market and see if they get a quick offer. The only problem with this theory is when a new home is introduced on the market is when it gets the most traffic. By listing a home before it’s ready you miss out on your opportunity to make that first great impression on a purchaser.

You can spend thousands of dollars in work after the property has been listed but it’s too late, your listing is now old news and when you get an offer it will be lower because it's an old listing, not the new "hot" house on the market.

How can curb appeal lower offers on your listings? When a home has been on the market for a while people wonder why it hasn't sold and start looking for reasons. Then it will usually get labeled as "nice, but it needs some work" or "a nice fixer upper". It means the house has low curb appeal or major maintenance. This will result in the house being on the market for a long time and it will receive lower offers than it should. It’s up to you as the professional to prevent this before it happens and by using your knowledge and this guide you can obtain top dollar for every home you list!

Start out on the street in front of the home walk around the property and see if the following items need to be addressed before placing the home on the market.

1. Ensure the bushes and trees are properly pruned, the lawn is mowed and raked each week and it's not full of bare spots. Also, check to ensure the flower beds are mulched and weeded.

2. Ensure the house, walkways and roof have been power washed to remove dirt, grime and mildew.

3. Ensure the gutters are clean and in proper working condition, nothing turns off a prospective buyer like walking through a muddy waterfall when it rains!

4. Ask the owner to get a home inspection so they are aware of any problems that may arise and cause delays in settlement or cancellation of the contract!

    A. The roof should be inspected for any minor issues like nail pops, vent pipes, flashing or missing shingles. If the inspector finds problems on the roof and you’re not quite sure what they mean, visit our roof repair and inspection page for pictures and information.

    B. Check for peeling paint and rotten trim around the house.

    C. Check all the appliances and plumbing work. Dripping faucets and running toilets will make it appear that the homes maintenance has been neglected.

    D. Check the basement for signs of mildew and mold.

5. Ensure the windows have been cleaned and the blinds and curtains are open to allow as much light as possible into the home.

6. Ensure all the lights inside and outside the house are on and in working order to show the house in the best lighting conditions, dimly lit homes feel dark and unwelcome.

7. Ensure the home is vacuumed and dusted daily, Place an air freshener in the furnace filter or other areas to keep the house smelling fresh all month.

8. Ask the home owner to remove knick knack's and other unnecessary items. Stage the remaining pieces of furniture to show each room at its greatest potential.

9. If there are pets in the home ask if they can be confined in pet transportation containers during a showing or ask if the neighbor can pet sit. Make sure any "messes" are picked up around the house and yard!

10. If needed, try to have the owner paint the interior and clean the carpets to remove any odors or stains.

11. If the home has a deck or patio, make sure it's not full of furniture or mold and mildew. You want these areas to look inviting and open.

12. Ensure that the garage is cleared out and well organized.