Every seller knows that their home should have "curb appeal". But what exactly does that mean?

Before you go to the expense of replacing major components, try some of these tips:

• Trim the plants around your home - particularly those bushes that may conceal windows. Then be sure that your landscaping look great all of the time, even if you have to hire a gardener while your home is listed.
• Invite visitors into your home by placing yellow flowers near or at the entry area. Yellow draws the eye, and potential buyers will feel immediately welcome.
• If there is patio furniture or BBQ and playground equipment in the backyard, be sure it is in good repair.
• If you know the day that your home will be shown, buy a loaf of frozen bread and bake it before the potential buyer arrives. Leave the exhaust hood off so the odor will spread throughout the house. Another great smelling idea is with the oven on warm, place a cookie sheet with some cinnamon on it. As the cinnamon warms up, well, you get the idea.
• In the master suite bath a pleasant odor is a good idea too. Do NOT use potpourri as many people are allergic to it. Instead get strawberry bath bubbles and run a half bath full of hot water. After you let the water out, the room will have a pleasing atmosphere.
• The family room and a child's room needs to be picked up and the beds made.
• Take down family photos in the hallway and living room walls.  However family photos on the dresser in the Master Suite and around the TV entertainment area of your home imply that this house is a “good family” place.
• If it is cold outside, light your fireplace, (provided it doesn’t smoke).  The image of a warm fire is universally appealing to buyers.
• Remove excess furniture as it makes the rooms look larger.
• You  should clean out your garage before you list your home, even if it means you have to rent a storage facility.  Also, leave the cars out when your home is to be shown.