11 Point Property Checklist To
Attract Drive-By Homebuyers

Needless to say, a home that's visually appealing and in good condition will attract potential homebuyers driving down the street. Any real estate agent will tell you that strong "street appeal" will lure those potential homebuyers inside the property.

That means, before you put your home on the market do this. Stand back and look at your property as objectively as you can. Would you buy this home? Ask friends and neighbors to do the same. Insist they be totally honest. Good or bad - you need to know the truth about your property!

It's really very simple. The first step in preparing the exterior of your property is to take a clear-headed look at your house from the street. Stand at the curb and look at the property in the same way a potential homebuyer might. Imagine that you are seeing your house for the very first time. What stands out? What catches your eye?

Truthfully now - is it the beautiful landscaping and the new fence or roof? Or does something else strike you about the property?

Maybe your eye is drawn by the flaking exterior paint? Perhaps it's those holes in the driveway that you notice first? Could it be the rusty guttering, or that boarded-up window?

Here's a quick 11-point property checklist to get you started:

1. Are the lawn and shrubs well maintained around the house?
2. Does the garden or pathway need weeding?
3. Are lawn mowers and hoses properly stored?
4. Does the properties driveway need resurfacing?
5. Are there cracks in the foundation or walkways?
6. Are garbage and debris stored out of sight?
7. Are the gutters, chimney and exterior walls in good condition?
8. Do the window casings, shutters, siding or doors need painting?
9. Does the fence or letterbox need repairing or painting?
10. Do the windows need washing inside and out?
11. Is the garage door closed?

Remember, this is how your property will "introduce" itself to a potential homebuyer. If the "street appeal" isn't there, you could lose the homebuyer without them even getting out of the car. They will likely move on to the next available property, no matter how beautiful the interior of your house may be!

This all might sound obvious, but it is a lesson that unfortunately many homeowners learn the hard way. They either struggle to sell their property, or they fail to get the price the property is capable of attracting.

Do what is necessary to make your property stand out from the competition. Make certain that your house is fresher, cleaner, and better maintained. And above all - make sure your property has "street appeal." That's how you will attract a drive-by homebuyer and potentially sell your home more quickly and possibly for a higher price than you expected.

For more information on how to sell your own home for sale by owner fsbo.