The coming of spring means real estate listings. Despite high mortgage rates, the housing market is still hot due to low inventory and high demand. Here are some tips to get your home ready for a quick sale. Part 1 starts on the outside.

A buyer’s first impression begins to develop within 15 seconds after arriving at your property. Start by building “curb appeal.” Clean up trash and debris and sweep the sidewalk and front walkway. Remove weeds growing between cracks. Badly cracked or settled concrete areas should be repaired. If you have an asphalt driveway, reseal it.

In the yard, your lawn should be freshly mowed, raked and look healthy. A little sod can go a long way toward restoring the look of a lawn. Trees and shrubs should be neatly trimmed and shaped. All tree limbs near or in contact with the roof should be trimmed. Painting an old mailbox or fence will let buyers know that you care about details.

A fresh coat of paint to the siding, trim, doors or shutters can be one of the best investments to increase the value of your home. Power washing can restore aluminum or vinyl siding while removing cobwebs. Clean and adjust your gutters and downspouts. Make sure all roof drainage is at least 3 feet from the foundation. Spice up the front door area with new hardware, house numbers and a planter near the door. Wash the windows and replace any cracked glass.

A clean and well-organized garage speaks well of your home. Install tool hangers and shelves to organize loose articles. Have a garage sale and dispose of unused items that make your garage look smaller.

Some investments can actually add value to your home, like putting in a patio. In this video from Today’s Home Remodeler TV, Craig Kittleson from Kittleson Landscape shows Stuart Keith how to install a beautiful Unilock Patio.

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