Are you ready for the Fall Market? You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.

If you’re selling your home soon, ensure that prospective buyers will want to come inside by sprucing up the exterior before they drive by.

• Paint or stain your front door.
• Polish door hardware. Consider replacing the hardware if it’s really worn or flaking. Don’t forget the doorbell and lighting fixtures.
• Replace worn welcome mats. A new welcome mat can boost the front entrance welcome factor.
• Install outdoor lighting. Consider solar garden lights to line a walkway, or a bright new porch light. This will make your home look more inviting in the evening when most buyers have the time to drive by.
• Kill mold and mildew. Use a pressure washer to clean the siding, roof, deck and driveway.
• Mow the lawn. Trim around flowerbeds and other stationary objects.
• WEED! Plant blooming flowers and add new bark or gravel for a fresh look.
• Trim shrubs and tree branches. Open up your home’s exterior by trimming overgrown shrubs. Trim around columns and windows.
• Add a hanging flower basket. It is so simple and effective, install a hook on your front porch and add a hanging plant.
• Clean gutters. If the downspout is badly damaged, consider replacing it with a decorative rain chain, which allows water to run down ornamental funnels into the ground drain.
• Clean windows. Make your windows sparkle from across the street and don’t forget to wash the screens.