If your home looks inviting from the outside it will entice buyers to see the inside. Making a good first impression counts. We know buyers drive around neighborhoods to get a feel for the community and see where they may hope to live. An attractive home exterior causes prospective buyers to slow down while driving through neighborhoods to get a better look. It’s hard to resist a clean and tidy property.

Knowing this can be achieved on a shoestring budget removes any excuses for getting it done. Many of these tips boil down to having a maintained and cared for lawn and home exterior. Remember if a buyer must decide between several similar homes with the only difference being a clean and tidy landscape or a landscape with weeds and disrepair, the clean home wins—every time.

Low-Cost & No Cost Do-It-Yourself Projects

Lawn Maintenance

Trimming the grass regularly is a do-it-yourself task packing instant appeal. For a professional look take the time to edge your lawn. Afterwards be sure to rake the clippings and your lawn will be picture-perfect.

Weed-Free Beds

A sign of a well-maintained landscape is weeding your planting beds and vegetable gardens. Be sure to mulch to make your plants the stars of the flowerbed and accentuate their colors. If your home listing date falls between when the perennial plants would typically be in bloom, add some annuals for instant color. Flowers in season can be bought already in bloom to quickly transform a space in an afternoon.

Wash Away the Dirt

Get out the garden hose to wash away any dirt from the sidewalk, driveway, and porch areas. Be sure to dislodge any debris around the base of the home’s siding and under the soffit. If you notice the siding could be brighten with power washer, try it a go. If you’re unsure and think a power washer is too powerful then a garden hose can do the job.

Shiny Windows

Make the glass in the windows and door glass all around the home shine. Not only will it look good from the outside but this project will brighten the home’s interior by letting more natural light inside. Spray the windows first with the garden hose to knock down dirt and cobwebs and follow up with your favorite window spray or use a sponge and diluted vinegar.

Manicured Bushes and Trees

Overgrown bushes and trees make a home feel dark and unsafe. Remove prospective burglar hiding places by keeping bushes trimmed below windows. Anything that blocks walkways, windows, the driveway, or views of the home from the street should be removed. Most of these jobs can be tackled with pruning shears or hedge trimmers.

A Spacious & Maintained Driveway

Take care of any minor cracks in the driveway by patching or resealing. Keeping your car in the garage will show buyers how much space they will have for parking and visiting guests. Move the garbage cans to the side of the house instead of leaving these in the drive. If you have solid garage doors consider giving them a simple facelift with a fresh coat of paint. Even painting faux window panes on the top panel will give them a new look.

Paying attention to your home’s curb appeal will draw more people to your home. While it may not be as exciting as redesigning a bathroom it’s the first step to getting someone inside your home. If you’re unsure where to begin ask your real estate professional for suggestions. We are happy to help you make your property show its best. Contact us anytime.

Hillary Gaynor has real estate listings spanning the New Hampshire seacoast and Southern Maine area. The Bean Group has listings in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts. Hillary is happy to refer anyone outside her area to a trusted agent in her extensive network. Helping you find a good neighborhood is what we do. We pride ourselves in knowing the communities and guiding buyers towards their future homes. Schedule an appointment to get started.