As unlikely as it may seem, in today’s high demand, low inventory market many buyers decide on a property having never set foot inside. When buyers make decisions solely on website photos or a drive-by viewing, curb appeal has never been more important. Here’s how to help your clients give their homes a fantastic facelift.

Here are eight eye-catching ways to help increase a home’s curb appeal to make a knockout first impression.

• Decluttering is the simplest step to upping curb appeal. Remove unnecessary eyesores like hoses, hose reels, lawn tools, excess pottery, lawn furniture, toys and anything else that can be stored away or trashed. Unnecessary stuff lying around creates the impression of neglect and can make a front yard and porch look smaller than they are.
• A manicured landscape creates an impression of diligent care, both outside and inside. Cut and edge the grass. Pull weeds. Replace dead plants. Trim trees, shrubs and vines. Plant flowers for color. Put mulch on flower beds.
• Make the home’s focal point, the front door, look its best. Is the paint or stain peeling or faded? Is the bottom marked by shoe scuffs? Refinish the front door with a beautiful new paint or stain. Replace worn, dingy hardware. Make sure the doorbell works. These low-cost steps polish a home’s curb appeal.
• If a home’s garage door faces the street, its appearance is just as important as the front door. Repaint, restain or reface the garage door if it is drab.
• Have the windows professionally cleaned. If needed, have the siding and masonry power washed. Replace rotted fascia boards and apply fresh touch-up paint where needed. A worn, tired-looking house lacks curb appeal.
• Make the property light and bright at night. Replace burned-out light bulbs over the front porch and driveway. Add low-cost solar-powered LED accent lighting along sidewalks and flower beds. 
• Clean the gutters. Built-up leaves and twigs will be visible from below. Have the homeowner do the job or hire a professional. 
• Have a roofer fix any displaced shingles and flashing. Crooked roof components may raise a buyer’s concern that there are leaks.

Taken together, these steps cost little in time and money but could translate into a faster, more lucrative sale. You never get a second chance to make a good first impression!