The front elevation of your home is not only the first thing visitors see when they pull up to your property, but more importantly, often the first picture homebuyers will see when they find your home online. Maximizing the elevation ranks high on an intelligent home seller’s priority list. Luckily, there are inexpensive tricks to maximize your homes curb appeal.

Last month we talked about paint and the value a fresh coat can add. I also recommend that you add a fresh coat of stain (or paint) to the front door. In addition, try these low cost, high value projects.

• Trim your trees. If possible, get a licensed arborist to do the work. Next, try to make the trees resemble a hand reaching up to touch the sky. All limbs should be pointing upward. Any limbs pointing downward, eliminate. This enables sunlight to pass though as well, helping grass grow. It also enables the real estate photographer to show your home and not poorly arbored trees blocking the view.
• Put in fresh mulch. Buyers dig the smell.
• Plant white flowers. White flowers imply the home is clean, pure and fresh.
• Overflowing pots of flowers, preferably white, should greet potential home buyers at the front door.
• Put on a new front door lock, or grease (graphite) the existing lock to enable easy access. Few things make a worse impression than a front door lock that will not turn.
• Get rid of all wasps or hornet nests near the front door. I’ve been stung three times. Not once did the sting help me sell the home.
• Put out a new and stylish welcome mat (no sarcasm—just something sweet).

I have had multiple buyers ask me to leave a home before they step inside, because one or more of these items were not in top condition. So, remember, the first thing the buyer sees is important. Make it impressive.

If you are considering selling and want a free copy of my book How the Pros Sell Their Homes in 29 Days or Less, email me at tsojka@seetimsell.com.

Timothy Sojka is the broker of the See TIM Sell Team at Keller Williams. His team has sold over 2,000 homes. Tim is also the author of the Amazon #1 political thrillers Payback Jack and Politikill and the addiction thriller, 39: Your Last Birthday, which won a Literary and Humor Maxy award.