Selling your Home 101: Exterior Updates and Repairs

If you were to take a drive around to look at homes for sale in Bellevue you would likely be struck by the differences in presentation. Some home sellers go all out to make certain their house stands out from the crowd while others seem unconcerned by the fact that the exterior of their home is the first impression buyers have. The fact of the matter is, first impressions sell. According to HGTV, a well-maintained landscape can add as much as 10 percent to the selling price of your home.

If you are looking for ways to make the most of your exterior, here are five important things to do:

1. Tidy the yard

Overgrown grass and weeds give the impression that a home has been neglected and make buyers wonder what else has been neglected inside the house. At a minimum, make it a point to mow the yard and pull weeds. Remove tree limbs, trash, and dog waste. If it's warm enough, place planters full of bright, fresh flowers near the front door. Sweep the driveway, walkway, and front porch. If needed, power wash those areas until grease and stains are at a minimum.

2. Freshen paint

If the front door or trim looks worn, repair any dry rot and give them a fresh coat of paint. It's amazing how one gallon of paint can spruce up a tired-looking exterior. In fact, even if the paint or stain on the front door is in good shape, consider adding a pop of color. According to Better Homes & Gardens, a well-chosen front door color can complement a home's style and immediately add curb appeal.

3. Edit Move kids toys, bicycles, and any other "extras" into the garage.

If you have a car that's not running or an RV or boat taking up precious driveway space, find another place to store them until after you've sold the home. Sure, each of these items are evidence that real people live in the house, but you want buyers to be able to imagine themselves living there.4. Add a layer Apply a fresh layer of mulch around bushes and garden beds. Mulch is an inexpensive, easy way to enhance the appearance of plants and make colors pop.

5. Cut it down Take pruning shears to overgrown bushes and trees-gone-wild in order to make the yard look as though it has been well-tended.

Although these five steps are a great start, also consider changing out old exterior light fixtures, planting new flowers around the mailbox, and adding patio furniture and/or an indoor/outdoor rug to the porch for additional living space. Remember, many buyers drive by a home before deciding whether to ask to see the interior. You want them to be so impressed by the exterior of your home that they can't wait to see what's inside.