If you’re looking to sell your home, there are several ways to do it. And a good place to start is outside. The exterior of your home sets a big impression. For potential buyers, it’s the first thing they see, and they might decide when they pull up whether or not they’re even interested in seeing the interior.

The following is a list of ideas to get you started improving your exterior – some of them are completely free while others require some financial investment. Choosing even just a couple of these ideas can help you attract buyers and fetch a higher price.

1. Clean It Up

If there is a lot of clutter in your yard and on your porch, it can set a bad tone. Start by decluttering your property. Get rid of as much as you can. Put items away in a garage or shed if you have one. And neatly organize anything that’s left.

In addition to belongings and trash, you’ll need to clean up the lawn itself. Untrimmed bushes, tall grass, vines, and similar things can clutter up your property. You can either get out your own lawn care tools and break a sweat, or you can hire a service to take care of it for you.

2. Consider a Paint Job

A fresh coat of paint can cover a multitude of sins, so to speak. If you’re trying to sell your home, it’s best to choose a neutral color that will appeal to a broader range of people. And don’t just consider painting the house itself. Think about freshening up paint on your front door, your porch, any sheds or outbuildings, and so on.

You can, of course, manage this yourself. However, for convenience, safety, and quality, consider hiring an exterior paint service. Yes, it’s an investment but one is well worth the cost.

3. Wash It Up

Consider giving your property a good shower. Power washing your house is a good idea if you decide not to paint it. Cleaning off the dust, dirt, and debris can significantly improve the appearance.

Even if you did paint your house, there are plenty of other areas to clean. Your porch and driveway are definitely good places to start. The outside of your garage doors, fencing, and similar items can usually also handle a nice bath. And don’t forget to wash the windows while you’re at it. Cleaning would be much easier with the use of pressure washer.

4. Take Care of Your Pool

If you have a pool – even an above-ground pool you plan to take with you – make sure the water is nice and sparkly. It will do no good to make everything else look nice and spiffy if you’ve got murky water in your pool.

5. Take a Look Around

It’s easy to become blind to small issues around your home, but a buyer will not be the same. In most cases, they’ll notice the most minute issues.

Take a few minutes to pay close attention to your exterior. Imagine if you were the buyer. What would you think? Make a note of anything you notice, big or small.

It can be anything from paint peeling on your mailbox to a split in the wood of a porch post or a loose lighting fixture. Once you have that list, work your way down it, fixing what you can.