"Kerbside appeal" refers to the impression that your house makes on potential buyers from the first time they see it from their car.
It is one of the most important ways to make a good impact on potential homebuyers. So if you're thinking of selling, it's time to get down and dirty with the outside of your house. When it comes to gardening, a little work can go a long way. Cutting the lawn is the first port of call. Overgrown gardens can be a deal-breaker - you don't want potential homebuyers battling their way to your front door through a jungle.
If you're not up to the job there are lots of professionals ready and able to weed, trim, mow and cut the edges of the grass. Not giving your garden the once over is like not cleaning one room in your house, according to Pat Barton, who specialises in garden maintenance (01 493 5244).
"It's not rocket science. Weeding the beds, pruning shrubs, removing some shrubs if there is too much of a build up and re-edging the beds can make such a good job of a garden," he says. Finishing touches include repairing broken hinges on gates, replacing missing slats and posts on fences. And try to keep wheelie bins out the back for the sales campaign.
Make sure the doorbell and porch lights are working and add a mat outside your door. A few window boxes or a plant or tree in a large pot outside the door can make a great job of the outside of your house. Woodies prices for ready-made boxes range from €12.99 to €19.99 (tel 452 1353 for nearest store).
And finally a word from the experts - one seasoned estate agent advises people to remember that once the sign goes up, your house is on the market all the time. Lots of potential house buyers will be doing drive-by viewings in the evening - so keep curtains open and a low light in your front room.
