Curb Appeal is a very powerful term used in Real Estate, usually leading homeowners to believe, that drastic changes are necessary in order to sell their homes. Unfortunately, most sellers usually either spend too much on their property makeover, or ignore the laws of curb appeal all together. When trying to sell a home, both of these mistakes can cost you.

Here are 4 tips to better curb appeal, that wont break the bank:

1. A view from the road: Many people perform their house hunting by driving around the neighborhoods they would like to live in. It would be a shame if they decided to stop at your neighbors house instead of yours because they simply couldnt see it from the road. Unless your house is set back a long distance from the road, has a privacy fence or a screening of trees; make sure the limbs of all your front yard trees are pruned up in a way that your house is clearly visible from the street.

2.Size matters: Another important factor in viewing a home, is the presentation of size. Especially important in ranch and cape style houses is the relationship between the size of your foundation plantings and the size of your home. Overgrown shrubs and trees along the foundation of your home can block up to 50% of the view of your house, including windows. This will dwarf your home, making it look smaller than it actually is. Pruning or removing overgrown shrubs and trees can make a world of difference in terms getting your home noticed.

3.Keeping it clean: Most people would agree that a sloppy presentation on the outside is a fair indicator of a sloppy presentation on the inside. People are judged by their cover, and so is your house. So if you want to be sure your home is looking its best for weekend viewing, follow these steps:

3a. Cut the lawn on Thursdays. A fresh cut before the weekend makes a huge difference in appearance. Plan your cutting on Thursday to build in a rain day. Hire a company if you cant do it. You will probably need them to take care of maintenance until you close on the house, while you are in transition to your new home.

3b. Remove all child and pet toys from the yard.

3c. Maintain weeds in planting beds, walkways, driveway and along street curbing.

4.A Touch of Color: Fresh annuals and perennials planted in flower pots or in landscape beds, will be a refreshing welcome those who visit your home. Be sure to consult your local nursery or landscaper, to select the right flowers for your zone.

Good luck and happy selling!

Ken Krysinski