 | Rake leaves, mow lawn, and
keep the edges neat. Lawns and landscaped areas should be weeded regularly.
Trees and shrubs should be pruned and trimmed.
|
| Remove old lawn mowers,
tractors, disabled autos, broken lawn ornaments, topless tables, armless
lawn furniture, and seat-less chairs. These are reasons for a buyer to make
a U-turn. |
| Hoses should be coiled or
placed inconspicuously when not in use. Other garden equipment should be
stored in some type of shelter when not in use. |
| A yard should be free from
unnecessary clutter. A place should be provided for children's toys and
equipment. All animal litter should be removed daily. |
| Ensure that garage doors open
and close freely. House and garage doors should be free of finger marks.
Wood surfaces should be kept painted, oiled or stained. |
| Porches, steps, veranda,
balconies, patios, and other extensions of the home must be uncluttered,
clean, and in good repair. |
| Shades and awnings that are
in good repair with fresh colors will improve the exterior appearance of the
house. |
| Keep garbage cans deodorized
and out of sight or placed inconspicuously. |
| Walkways and entrances should
be well maintained and free from excess water, mud, leaves or ice. Put some
crushed rock on walkways and driveways that turn muddy in the rain and fill
in any potholes. |
| Keep gates, fences, walls,
and outer buildings repaired and painted. |
| Outdoor furniture should be
kept clean. Firewood should be neatly stacked away from the house. Barbecue
grills should be cleaned. |
| Metal accessories (doorknobs,
doorknockers, lamps etc.) need to cleaned and polished. |
| Attach all downspouts to
gutters and paint, if needed. Any loose shingles, tiles, etc. should be
secured or repaired. |
| Paint the front, back, and
side entrance doors. Nothing looks worse than a pealing or faded door. |
| Ensure the mailbox is in good
condition. |
| If you are neither prepared
to, nor want to, spend hundreds of dollars for exterior painting, be
prepared to make an immediate and substantial price reduction. Faded or
peeling paint rarely escapes the buyer’s attention. |
| Re-point chimneys and brick
or stonework if needed. |
| If the roof leaks, FIX IT!
Keep receipts and warranties. |
