Planning on selling your home this spring? Make the outside as inviting as the inside with these easy tips.

The phrase “you only have one chance to make a good first impression" is never more true than when you are listing your home for sale. The front yard is a buyer’s first contact with your home and gives clues as to whether or not your home is well maintained. Here are five ways to help you boost that curb appeal and get top dollar for your home.

Make a Grand Entrance

In the early days of colonial America, people would paint their front doors red to welcome traveling visitors. A bold-colored front door adds charm and serves as a focal point. If home association rules prevent you from painting your door boldly, spruce it up by applying a coat of stain or paint, cleaning the windows, and touching up the trim.

Trim Up the Yard

Nothing is worse than pulling to a home with overgrown trees and weeds everywhere. Before you put your home on the market, mow the grass, pull the weeds, and consider getting a landscape consultation. Experienced landscapers can give new life to your yard for a low price simply by trimming back trees and adding seasonal plants. They can also fix those troubled bare spots in the lawn that never seem to grow grass.

Power Wash the Exterior

Make siding, decks, and brickwork look brand new with a simple deep clean. Power washing removes dust, dirt, and mold that builds up on brickwork. You can rent a power washer for the day at any home improvement store or just call in a professional.

Seal the Driveway

If the weather has taken a toll on your asphalt driveway, it might be time to seal it. A few fresh coats of driveway sealant will hide imperfections and make your whole property look sharp and clean. You can DIY it with supplies from the hardware store or hire a paving company. Just make sure to park your cars on the street before you start because you won’t be able to drive on it for a couple of days!

Stage Outside Living Space

When staging your home, it is important to accentuate the outdoor living areas and the interior. Add potted plants, metal lanterns, and a cafe table to the front porch showcasing it as an evening retreat from the day. Make sure to fill up that empty deck or patio with furniture to highlight the size and scale of the backyard.