Getting the outside of your home in the best shape possible can make a huge difference when selling your home. Think like a buyer. Walk around the outside of your house with a critical eye. Note anything that needs repairing, or is missing, or out of place. Buyers notice problems they would have to fix, so your goal is to keep their list as short as possible.

1. Get Your Lawn in Top Shape

If you have a lawn, start now to get it in good shape. Pruning, mulching, and adding flowers and plants takes much less time than getting a neglected lawn looking its best. Water your lawn as needed to keep it green. If your lawn is past the point of no return, consider replacing it with sod. Or, if you’re in a drought area, consider drought-tolerant landscaping. Some areas even have rebates for replacing your lawn.

2. Add Color with Flowers and Plants

Adding colorful flowers and plants is one of the cheapest and easiest things you can do to improve the overall appearance of your yard. Tidy up your existing flower beds and replace any dead or dying flowers. Remember to keep an eye out for weeds – they can literally pop up overnight! Adding plants in decorative pots can also help bring life to your porch or front door area.

3. Touch Up the Mulch

Nothing spruces up a place like a new application of mulch, so apply a fresh layer atop all of your garden beds. The color enhances the contrast of the surrounding plants and makes everything pop. What's more, mulch is relatively cheap and easy to apply.

4. Prune Overgrown Trees and Shrubs

Trim any shrubs or trees that are blocking windows or doors. Buyers want to be able to see your house, so show it off to its best advantage. In addition, homes that are brighter inside are more appealing to buyers.

5. Make Your Front Door and Porch Pop

Make your front entrance inviting. Consider painting your front door a complementary color, something that contrasts and coordinates with the color of your house and other trim. Also inspect the doorknob, knocker, and doorbell at the front door. Shine oxidized hardware or replace outdated hardware and lighting fixtures. Dull, outdated hardware makes a poor first impression. Give your house number an upgrade. These days you can find a myriad of fonts, materials, and colors to suit the look of your house. On a tight budget? Take the old numbers down and spray paint them a color that contrasts with the house. Lastly, make sure stairs and handrails are in good repair, with no rough paint or wood.

6. Clear Out Yard Clutter

Remember – think like a buyer. A potential buyer may not like flamingos or garden gnomes as much as you do, so put away yard decorations. Also put away tools, toys, and sports equipment.

7. Clean Decks, Patios, and Walks

Clean your walkways and any patios, and wash and consider restaining your deck. A pressure washer can make short work of these cleaning jobs, and they are inexpensive to rent from many home improvement or equipment rental stores. You can also pressure wash your driveway and garage door to enhance curb appeal.