Let’s be honest: when you’ve been driving up to your home for months, years or even decades, it can be hard to imagine the exterior looking any other way. You’re used to its appearance, even with the imperfections and the unusual touches. That’s just the way it is, and you’ve been happy with it, so someone else will be, too. Right?

Well, maybe. The fact is that your home’s outside appearance–the way it looks to those driving by or to potential buyers arriving for a showing–is too important to take a chance with. It carries the power to excite or turn away, to invite inside or discourage interest. It is all-important and worth investigating.

So what do you do?

THINK BUSINESS

First of all, you need a fresh perspective. Consider this: your home is no longer your home but an item to sell. It’s part of a business transaction. Do all you can to sever emotional ties and look at your home objectively.

GET A FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Try backing away from your home, either from across the street or by stopping farther away when you come home, and put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. Bring a camera and simulate the buyer’s visit by walking to your home with new eyes. Get into critical thinking mode and ask yourself:

1. What is my overall first impression?
2. What stands out about the exterior?
3. Does the yard complement the home or distract from it?
4. Is the landscaping well-maintained?
5. Do I notice any maintenance issues immediately?
6. How could I draw more attention to the positive features?
7. How could I downplay or correct the drawbacks?

After you’ve done this, you’ll be armed with some key information that should help guide you to the next best steps.

ENLIST A FRIEND

You may also consider asking a friend to do the same exercise: their perspective will likely highlight even more aspects that you wouldn’t have noticed.