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garden should be kept clean and groomed. Dead or dying plants should be removed and disposed of. Bare patches of garden should be raked and free of invasive weeds.

Pools and Spas: These can make or break a home sale if they are not well maintained and visibly in good condition. Decks, patios and storage buildings adjacent to a swimming pool should be maintained and orderly in appearance as well. Pools and spas should be algae and stain free, and pumps and filters should be in sound working condition.

Woodwork: Fences, storage sheds, decks, and trellises should not show any signs of rot, insect infestation, or instability. They should appear painted, sturdy, and properly preserved. Trash storage areas should be clean, orderly and odor free without any signs of insects, rodents and other unwelcome nighttime visitors.

Exterior: The home's exterior is likely to be the most significant factor for establishing the most favorable sense of curb appeal. Your home should be well-lighted, and the lighting should be clean, both inside and outside. Sidewalks, steps and landings should be immaculate and well ordered, which is another way of saying clutter free. Potted plants should be fresh, attractive and matched to the home's - and your, character and personality. It goes without mentioning, but the roof, gutters, garage doors, windows and awnings should all be in good condition and freshened with a new coat of paint if necessary. The home's foundation should be inspected for cracks, and these should be repaired and painted.

Finally, there should be no safety issues associated with your home. This means no hostile pets, no hazardous materials, flammables, exposed electrical wires or trip hazards anywhere. These items should be first on your checklist and demand your immediate attention if they are found.

If you step outside your home and position yourself at the curb and look back, what do you see? Ask yourself if your home is as attractive to you now as it was when your first fell in love with it and made the decision to borrow large sums of money so you could live in it. For home buyers these days, this is an important question that has to be answered. Chances are that if you answer in the affirmative, someone much like you will feel the same way. Your home could be sold quicker than you think, so it pays to prepare your home's curb appeal well in advance of the day you place it in the hands of an eager Realtor.

Learn more about this author, Francis Jock.
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