MAINTAIN YOUR CURB APPEAL

Since the exterior of your house is the first thing prospective buyers will see, it is important to make their first impression a winning one. Use the following chekclist to preparet he outside of your house:

*Sweep the front walkway. If it's winter be sure to shovel snow and clean away ice.

*Mow the lawn and plant flowers. Though neutral is key on the inside, you can afford to be bold with color in the garden.

*Trim shrubs and rake leaves. Prune dead tree branches, too.

*Remove newspapers, bikes and toys. A shiny swing set is fine; rusty ones should be eliminated.

*Park extra cars away from the property.

*Make sure sprinklers and other exterior plumbing are in working order.

*Clean windows and screens. A mix of ammonia and water will make windowpanes sparkle.

*Touch up any peeling paint on the body and trim of your house. If the exterior seems more dirty than worn, rent a pressure washer from a tool center and hose down all outside surfaces.

*Replace broken gutters, loose downspouts and missing or torn roof shingles.

*Fix cracks in the driveway and entry walkway. Asphalt sealant from a building-supply store and a stiff broom makes this a relatively easy do-it-yourself job.

*Reseal the deck or porch.