Curb appeal is a vital part of successfully selling your house. The exterior of a house and its surrounding property is a visual invitation to the buyer to enter the home. If your curb appeal is not inviting, potential buyers may not even walk in the front door to see all of what your home has to offer. This checklist is intended as a guide to help homeowners focus on areas that will attract buyers to view the interior of the home.

Lawn Care
- mow lawn
- remove weeds
- rake and remove yard waste

Plants and Shrubs
- trim
- remove weeds
- rake and remove yard waste
- perennial plants add interest and value to a property
- annual flowers add a punch of color to the yard

Trees
- trim branches as necessary
- consider having damaged or dead trees removed

Fences
- inspect for damage
- repair as necessary
- paint if needed

Mailbox
- check condition, repair or replace if necessary
- secure in the ground
- check for plumb

Driveways
- safe
- clean
- repair cracks
- consider seal-coating if appropriate

Garage
- keep organized
- keep swept
- consider painting interior walls

Tools and Toys
- keep in good working condition
- keep stored in proper place
- put bicycles and outdoor toys away when not in use

Lighting
- clean outside fixtures
- replace burnt exterior bulbs

Exterior Home Features
- inspect trim and shutters - clean, repair, replace as necessary
- gutters - clean, repair, replace as necessary
- Polish metal items such as brass or chrome accents

Porches and Patios
- inspect and make necessary repairs
- clean cobwebs, paint as necessary

Real estate agents are experts with selling homes. They have experience with curb appeal and can help you present your home in the best possible way to achieve a faster and more profitable sale.