In the business of real estate, first impressions are everything. From the selection of your realtor to the search for the perfect home, this is an industry where deals are made on first impressions, (and some contentious follow-up!) To give your home the best chance of selling quickly and profitable you need to ensure that the first impression buyers have of your home is an impressive one. There are so many little things about a home that as an owner you likely don't notice as you see them every day. It is these little things that can reduce the visual impact of a home at first sight, so it is these little things that you need to deal with before the home is listed.

Entranceway - There is little that is more important at first glance than the entrance of the home. Buyers must feel welcomed as they approach your home. If the front of the home is dirty and messy then buyers will likely not have a very high opinion of your home, regardless of what awaits inside. Start with the front door and work your way out. Is the door itself old? New doors bring a decorative note to the front of a home and are relatively inexpensive.

Paint & Siding - Whatever surface your home has, in the event of selling the home it is well worth the time and effort to either have the surface cleaned or painted. With surfaces like vinyl or other synthetic siding a good power washing can restore the luster and beauty of the siding. If your home is wood or stucco then painting is your best option. Remember to stick with neutral colors that fit in with the other homes on the street.

Landscaping - There are few things that can improve the look and feel of a yard like professional landscaping. Manicured lawns and tended gardens speak highly of the quality of a home and add a great visual hook for buyers.

Cleanliness - General cleanliness of the home's exterior cannot be stressed enough. Spend some time sweeping the driveway and watering the garden. Take any scuff marks off the front of the home and door. Make sure there are no piles of garden tools lying around and that the gardens are free of weeds.

If you take the time to consider the first impression that buyers will get from your home, you will enable your property to sell faster and for more money. And a quick and profitable sale is the goal of this exercise right?