Check out this great article from Old Republic Home Protection. It is definitely worth the read.
You can steam clean the carpet, rearrange the furniture, and create a warm and inviting space inside the home—but don’t forget about the outside! First impressions and curb appeal matter a great deal when selling a home, and a properly staged exterior will set the tone for the rest of the showing. The following tips will help you and your clients create an appealing exterior—so prospective buyers can’t wait to see how beautiful the home is on the inside!
Roof Cleaning and Repair: Hire a professional to clean the roof, clean/repair the gutters, and replace any shingles that look shabby. Nothing turns a buyer away faster than a roof in imminent need of replacement!
Power/Pressure Washing: Dirt builds up over the years, and power washing the driveway, porch, sidewalk, and the exterior walls will remove much of the grime. Most home improvement stores allow you to rent pressure washers for under $100, or you can pay a professional to do it.
Windows and Doors: Check the caulking on the windows and doors, and if it’s looking worn down, be sure to replace it. This will enhance the look of the home while also increasing energy efficiency inside! Install new hardware on exterior doors and consider updating porch/exterior lights to make a great first impression on anyone who crosses the threshold.
Yardwork: Unkempt bushes and trees make a home look old and dilapidated, so be sure to give them a thorough trim. If your clients have any doubt about how to best trim the trees, it may be worth it in the long run to hire a professional. There’s no “undo” command for a tree-trimming monstrosity!
Pull any weeds and reduce the number of potted plants on the porch so it doesn’t look too cluttered. Spreading a neutral-colored mulch (black or brown) around a garden is healthy for the plants and it makes your home more visually appealing to prospective buyers. Also, consider asking your sellers to remove any yard art, since prospective buyers might not share their love for pink flamingos.