When considering curb appeal, don’t forget about first impressions!
If you think your buyers’ first impression of your home is realized upon walking in the front door, think again. The moment potential buyers pull up to the front of your home they begin assessing your home. And, if your home’s curb appeal is less than appealing, they may have already made up their minds about your home before they even walk through the front door.
Remember: an attractive front yard not only attracts buyers to your home, but it also conveys pride in home ownership. With that said, you can begin improving your home’s curb appeal today:
- Check the steps, front porch, and driveway (as appropriate) of your home for any cracks or uneven surfaces. Repair any defects and seal your driveway to make it look its best.
- The plant and flower beds should be free of weeds and all bushes and plants should be trimmed, neat and attractive. Mulch all of the beds with a natural pine needle mulch to pull it all together.
- The front door should be free of fading or peeling paint, and it should have updated hardware. Don’t let your home’s first impression be squashed by an ugly front door with rusted hardware.
- Your outdoor accessories should be tasteful and limited. Yard sculptures, lawn art and various other types of outdoor decorations should be limited. Instead, opt for an attractive door mat made of natural materials and a nice, seasonal wreath on the front door.
- Make sure your outdoor landscape lighting is attractive and efficient, as it is important to remember that potential buyers will likely drive past your home during the nighttime hours, as well.
- If you have low-lying trees and shrubbery that are blocking the front of your home, consider having them pruned. If buyers can’t see the front of your home then they are less likely to be immediately enamored by your home as they drive past.
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Tim Ryan 
Is there any calculator or rule of thumb on return on investment for improving the exterior? You see lots of these for things like kitchen remodels and baths. It seems to me that the ROI would be pretty good.