If you’re selling your home, or just want to improve your curb appeal, there are easy things you can do. The best way to really see what other people see when they look at your house is to take a picture of the outside of your home. If you have a digital camera, view the color versions first, then remove the color and look at it in black and white, because it’s easier to see problems when color isn’t around to affect our senses.

What is your first impression of the house and yard area? What are the best exterior features of the house or lot? How can you enhance them? Ok, now let’s be honest. What are the worst exterior features of your house or lot? How can you minimize or improve them?

Next, walk towards the house, looking around you as if it were your first visit. Is the approach clean and tidy? What could you do to make it more attractive? Sometimes it’s as simple as repairing a loose shutter or sprucing up your potted plants.

Local realtors say whether you plan on selling or not, there are things every homeowner should do to keep their home in tip top shape.

Simple ways to spruce up your home:

• Kill mold and mildew on the house, sidewalks, roof, or driveway.
• Stow away unnecessary garden implements and tools.
• Clean windows and gutters.
• Pressure wash dirty siding and dingy decks.
• Edge sidewalks and remove vegetation growing between concrete or bricks.
• Mow the lawn. Get rid of weeds.
• Rake and dispose of leaves, even if your lot is wooded.
• Trim tree limbs that are near or touching the home’s roof.

Don’t forget about your home when it gets dark outside. One quick way to improve evening curb appeal is with lighting.

Simple ways to add curb appeal at night:

• String low voltage lighting along your driveway, sidewalks, and near important landscaping elements.
• Add a decorative street lamp or an attractive light fixture to a front porch.
• Make sure lighting that’s visible through front doors and windows enhances the home’s appearance.

These are all relatively inexpensive way to increase your curb appeal. Whether you plan on selling or not, follow these tips and you’ll have the best looking house on the block!