Not every item on this list will apply to your particular house so you will need to use judgment to decide which items will create the greatest effect for the time invested.
1.
Mow and edge the lawn regularly (I know, that's kind of a gimme, but you would be surprised how often it gets overlooked, especially the edging.
) 2.
Repair broken boards in porches, decks, railings, etc.
Oil, seal or repaint any wood that is exposed.
You may want to wash and re-stain decks or other wood structures to give them that brand new look.
Even bleached and worn wood can be revitalized with some of the new finishes on the market.
3.
Clean out and organize your storage shed.
Throw out or recycle the things you don't use anymore.
Touch up the paint and oil the hinges.
A little steel wool can be used to shine up the hardware.
4.
If you have a hot tub or spa, thoroughly clean it, retreat the exterior if necessary and treat the water while you are at it.
5.
Fill in any small cracks in your driveway and sidewalks with concrete filler.
If you have larger breaks they will need to be removed and replaced with new concrete.
You can do small jobs with a bag of quick-crete and a wheel barrow, or small plastic concrete mixing containers available at the hardware store.
6.
Remove any dead plants or branches and trim heavy shrubs 7.
Remove any yard debris or materials that you've stack up against the garage or walls of the house, thinking you will use them someday.
Haul off any old bicycles and toys, old tires, lawn clippings, worn out playground equipment, etc.
8.
While we are on the subject, get rid of any junk cars, boats, motorcycles, RV's, etc.
9.
Clean up any pet areas or remove them all together if you no longer have pets.
10.
Weeds flower beds and spread a little mulch or soil pep over the dirt.
This can make a huge difference in the appearance.
11.
Mend and/or straighten fences and touch up or refinish if needed.
12.
You may want to remove or replace shrubs that date the house, such as Junipers.
13.
If the weather allows, plant a few bright colored flowers in front of your house.
Find out which flowers grow well in your area and will stay in bloom for a long time by checking with your local nursery.
14.
You can green up your lawn in season by watering it deeper and fertilizing.
In areas where the grass is thin, spread a little grass seed and keep it wet for a few weeks.
This works best in spring or fall.
First impressions make a big difference and your landscape frames your house and will create much of this first impression, so look at your house from across the street so that you can take in the whole picture and identify the most obvious trouble spots.
1.
Mow and edge the lawn regularly (I know, that's kind of a gimme, but you would be surprised how often it gets overlooked, especially the edging.
) 2.
Repair broken boards in porches, decks, railings, etc.
Oil, seal or repaint any wood that is exposed.
You may want to wash and re-stain decks or other wood structures to give them that brand new look.
Even bleached and worn wood can be revitalized with some of the new finishes on the market.
3.
Clean out and organize your storage shed.
Throw out or recycle the things you don't use anymore.
Touch up the paint and oil the hinges.
A little steel wool can be used to shine up the hardware.
4.
If you have a hot tub or spa, thoroughly clean it, retreat the exterior if necessary and treat the water while you are at it.
5.
Fill in any small cracks in your driveway and sidewalks with concrete filler.
If you have larger breaks they will need to be removed and replaced with new concrete.
You can do small jobs with a bag of quick-crete and a wheel barrow, or small plastic concrete mixing containers available at the hardware store.
6.
Remove any dead plants or branches and trim heavy shrubs 7.
Remove any yard debris or materials that you've stack up against the garage or walls of the house, thinking you will use them someday.
Haul off any old bicycles and toys, old tires, lawn clippings, worn out playground equipment, etc.
8.
While we are on the subject, get rid of any junk cars, boats, motorcycles, RV's, etc.
9.
Clean up any pet areas or remove them all together if you no longer have pets.
10.
Weeds flower beds and spread a little mulch or soil pep over the dirt.
This can make a huge difference in the appearance.
11.
Mend and/or straighten fences and touch up or refinish if needed.
12.
You may want to remove or replace shrubs that date the house, such as Junipers.
13.
If the weather allows, plant a few bright colored flowers in front of your house.
Find out which flowers grow well in your area and will stay in bloom for a long time by checking with your local nursery.
14.
You can green up your lawn in season by watering it deeper and fertilizing.
In areas where the grass is thin, spread a little grass seed and keep it wet for a few weeks.
This works best in spring or fall.
First impressions make a big difference and your landscape frames your house and will create much of this first impression, so look at your house from across the street so that you can take in the whole picture and identify the most obvious trouble spots.
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