If I asked you what kind of first impression your home gave, what would your answer be? Cluttered, messy, tidy, beautiful, simple…When someone comes to visit your home, there are two places where they get that first impression: the front of your house and the entry way (or wherever they enter your home). There are simple things that you can do to both spaces that give a great first impression.

I am all about simplicity. I don’t have a lot of things in my home. I don’t do knick- knacks and I like a room where you can walk around in it. That’s definitely not everyone’s taste and that’s fine, but de-cluttering and adding a few special touches can really make you feel good about your home and the first impression it makes.

Here are some staging tips that I put together for someone selling their home. You can go through this same list when you are trying to make the outside of your home and the entryway pleasing to the eye. Obviously you are not going to do everything on this list, but it gives you some good ideas.

Curb Appeal
__ Sweep or power wash the street and sidewalk in front of your house
__ Clean fire hydrant, utility pole near your house
__ Repaint, pressure clean or touch up exterior
__ Remove cobwebs from eaves
__ Fertilize, cut and edge grass, or re-sod
__ Weed and rake
__ Replace thin gravel/stone/tan bark areas
__ Mend, clean or paint fence, gate, steps
__ Install new house numbers-make sure they are visible from the street
__ Plant annual flowers in harmonizing colors
__ Add tan bark or topsoil to planting beds
__ Store toys, tools, bikes, trashcans, hoses, etc.
__ Repair, repaint or replace mailbox
__ Replace broken window panes
__ Move camper, old car or boat from driveway
__ Trim trees and shrubs, especially ones blocking pathways
__ Seal blacktop or repair cement on driveway
__ Wash windows
__ Tidy side yards
__ Clear gutters
__ Replace missing shingles; repair flashing
__ Remove awnings or shrubs which darken the interior
__ Remove screens and store in the garage
__ Add window boxes full of flowers

Entrance
__ Remove clutter from the front porch
__ Tighten handrails
__ Replace/repair/clean light fixtures
__ Replace bublb in fixture
__ Mend doorbell; replace button surround
__ Buy new door mat
__ Remove front door screen
__ Remove sick or dead potted plants
__ Paint or clean front door and threshold
__ Polish or replace brass; add a kickplate
__ Place clay or wooden pot(s) of flowers on porch
__ Place wooden or wrought iron bench on front porch
__ Add wreath or door decoration

Front Hall
__ Repaint or touch up
__ Notice smells – clean carpeting, drapes and upholstery to remove smoke/pet odors
__ Notice sound – turn off appliances, subdue barking dog
__ Subtle classical or instrumental music in background is acceptable
__ Remove any furniture and clutter crowding the space
__ Leave lights on and use maximum wattage bulbs
__ Hang a mirror instead of art to reflect light
__ Remove area rug (to expand space)
__ Clean out hall closet
__ Add plant or fresh flowers

Image Credit: SXC