If you’re selling your home, curb appeal is the first thing your real estate agent will talk to you about. The adage to never judge a book by its cover is not applicable to home selling. Potential buyers are constantly comparing homes, and if yours doesn’t look good from the outside, some people won’t even go inside to check out what you have to offer. Here are four ways you can improve your curb appeal.

1. Clean Up

If you have trash, clutter, weeds, leaves or toys lying around, clean them up. This simple step can make a huge difference in how your property looks, and doing so is free. A tidy front yard gives buyers the impression that your home has been well-cared for, which invites them to look inside.

2. Paint the House

A house with chipped or faded paint is not as inviting as one with a new paint job. If you cannot afford to hire a painter or do not have time to redo the whole house, focus on touching up the trim and doors. Doing so can drastically transform the look of your house.

3. Put Up a Fence

If you’re regularly attracting buyers with young families and pets but can’t quite make the sale, it may be because your property isn’t fenced. Fences improve the overall look of your property, and homeowners feel that fences make safer properties, protecting their children from danger and keeping pets in the yard. Wood fence installation in Forest Lake IL may mean the difference between making the sale or waiting several months for a different buyer.

4. Get a New Garage Door

A broken, dented or manual garage door can be a deterrent to potential buyers. Even a garage door that is too loud can scare off a buyer with animals that are easily spooked or children who sleep during the day. Replacing the garage door will enhance your curb appeal and add value when selling your home.