Just one look, that's all it took....

I do believe in love at first sight and I believe it can happen more than once in a lifetime. I have experienced love at first sight when I met (my now) husband and when I saw both of my children for this very first time, I have also seen it in real estate. The moment you see your first home for the very first time it is just perfect....well it should be.

When it comes to selling your home you always make sure that the interior is pristine. Every detail is just right and the home looks just beautiful but wait...what about your exterior? Yes, curb appeal, it matters, and in a big way. Over 80 percent of buyers will view your home on the Internet first and then decide where to book viewings so be sure to spend as much time prepping the outside as you do on the inside. Since buyers make up their mind about a home within the first 30 seconds, you don't have any time to waste.

The season you are selling your home can be a factor( selling season can be any season of the year) but there are many ways to make certain that the exterior of your home is picture perfect. Think of the many guidelines that you followed to ensure your interior is beautiful, they apply to the exterior too.

De-clutter: get rid of the garbage cans, the strollers, the sporting equipment, kids toys etc...from the front lawn and porch area

Clean: sweep, mow, rake, shovel depending on what the exterior elements call for but be sure to clean and clear the entry way to your home. And in the winter months, be sure to sand or salt the walk way (safety first plus, you don't want buyers to remember falling on the icy path leading to your home).

Details: pay attention to the small things. Is the front door paint faded or chipping? Do the stairs or walls or windows need a good power washing? Is your exterior light working? Is your doorbell working? Do your shrubs need a trimming? Are your flower pots looking alive and well? Paying attention to those details sends a positive message to buyers and gets them excited to see the inside of your home.

Decor: add some colour and life to the exterior with a decorative wreath, add some colourful outdoor pillows to your bench or chair, add some plants and/or flowers to exterior pots. This can be done in the cooler fall and winter months too.

First impressions are lasting impressions. Showcase your home and you will bring in the best buyers with the best offers, all of the hard work is worth it. Go ahead, be the envy of the neighbourhood....