Curb appeal: Old term sellers should revisit

Before websites were populated with gorgeous photographs and video home tours, “curb appeal” was an advertising phrase used only in print. It was right up there with “peek-a-boo view,” “cozy fixer” and “step-saver kitchen.”

What separates curb appeal from vague other terms? Achieving it is a must if you want your home to stand out above the pack. It becomes an asset; a positive term associated with your home.

Here are 10 inexpensive suggestions to improve curb appeal. And, you can square most of them away in just one day:

1. If the front door is dirty, it’s downhill from there. Never underestimate the first up-close look. Make sure the doorknob and lock work and look sharp. If the street numbers are dirty, paint or clean them. If you have a screen door, repair any holes in the screen and wipe the metal frame. Clean all cobwebs from the light fixtures and fingerprints from the entry.

2. Clear any walkways of tricycles, bikes and skates. Hose down the chalk marks if the kids were playing hopscotch.

3. Pull the grass from any cracks in the steps and trim trees and lawn. Make certain your shrubs don’t look like grubs. If you have sprinklers, see that the actually spray and not merely trickle. Coil the garden hose and rake any leaves.

4. Buy a welcome mat if you don’t have one. This will save you time and effort cleaning interior rugs and also gives the impression that you care about the condition of your home.

5. Don’t make the side or back yard the dumping ground just because most people probably will come in the front. Tidy it up.

6. Repair torn or cracked siding, and always look twice at the gutters and downspouts. A bent gutter can slow the flow of water, collect pools and cause rusting. Realign the gutter by repositioning nails or gutter hangers. It can often save you from moisture problems in the basement.

7. Be sure the paint on the garage door or window shutters is not peeling. A clean garage looks larger than it actually is.

8. Make sure your deck doesn’t take anybody for a surprise slip ‘n slide ride. Clean the deck of grime.

9. If your tulips have toppled, place a potted flower or two on the deck to add color.

10. Never underestimate smell. People appreciate a fresh scent outside and in.

Take a moment at look at your home from the street. Imagine yourself seeing it for the first time. Remember the phrase “you only have one chance to make a first impression.” Take it to heart.