You may want to consider putting some flowers into the yard. This can be done with a flower pot or using existing landscaping areas designated for flowers. You will be surprised how a few inexpensive flowers can increase the appeal of the home and make it look like a warm place that is a home and not just a house. You can even extend the outside appeal by including a welcome mat.

You will want to make everything that is within 10 feet of the front door in perfect condition. If the walls are brick or siding, have them pressure washed. All of the cobwebs should be removed from the eaves and freshly painted. The door may need to be painted or replaced. While the potential buyers are waiting for the door to be opened they are inspecting everything very closely in this area. The front entrance way won't sell the house, but it can break the sale of the house. The buyers need to enter the house having a good feeling.

You may also want to consider putting shutters around the windows. Many of the older homes don't have enough character and they look like a box with a couple windows and a door. By placing some fairly inexpensive vinyl shutters around the windows, you add character and bring the thought of home to the house instead of just a place to live.

General cleanliness is essential. You should not have anything in the front of the house that is not part of the landscaping. Move the trash can to the back yard. If you can, put the cars in the garage. Move any toys or unnecessary items out of the way so they are looking at a clean yard and the house and not other items.

You may even offer to help clean the neighbor's yard. You can tell them that you are having an open house and you will have some people cleaning up and offer to have them clean the neighbor's yard at the same time. If you spend $10 an hour for two people for three hours than comes up to $60 paid, but has a tremendous effect on your house having clean yards around it. People are buying the neighborhood as well as the house.

Bushes and trees can also be a large detractor as well as a great attractor. If it is a large overgrown bush, then it should be removed. Too many people leave a bush in front of the house that blocks the buyers view. A nicely trimmed tree looks good and can raise the value of the home as well as curb appeal, but the key is to have it nicely keep. An overgrown tree with dead branches will detract from the curb appeal.

In summary, you can increase your curb appeal fairly inexpensively. Each house will need different touches, but the yard and front entrance will always be key areas to focus on. Remember they are buying the whole package and not just the home.