Curb appeal is important no matter what the season. With Fall just around the corner, here are a few tips to help ensure your home has curb appeal.

First, go sit in your car in front of your house. This is the first impression your potential buyers will have of it.

What is the first thing they see? Toys, a broken light fixture, weeds, or peeling paint? Hardly a good way to invite buyers into your home!

Try this “curb appeal” checklist:

• Pick up all toys and excess equipment that may be in the front yard.
• Sweep or rake up the falling leaves.
• Clean up the weeds and any dying flowers.
• Make sure there are no cobwebs hanging around the doors, windows, or light fixtures.
• Since it’s getting dark earlier lately, make sure all lights are working and clean light fixtures to ensure a bright, shining light greets your visitors.
• Clean all windows and screens.
• Freshen up with a new welcome mat for the front door. And while you’re at it, add a fresh Fall wreath!
• If your front door or trim is looking drab, perk it up with a fresh coat of paint.
• Replace your house numbers for a fresher look.
• Place a few potted plants on the porch if room allows.

Now, go back to the street and take a second look. Make sure your look is as inviting as possible!

Every day, take a few minutes to check to see if you need to sweep or pick up that stray toy so your home always makes a great first impression!

Your home looks attractive on the Internet. ✓
The curb appeal is inviting. ✓
Your hours of accessibility are great. ✓
Your home’s interior is welcoming. X

If a buyer can’t make it inside your home, they aren’t going to make an offer on it. Unfortunately, there are many homes in Albuquerque where agents can spend several frustrating minutes attempting to unlock a front door, and can’t, because of defective locks. Of course, the local hardware store sells locks for less than $20–a small price to pay to get your home sold! With a large selection of homes on the market in Albuquerque, many buyers will pass over yours and not give it a second chance. This was your first–and last–impression.

If you’re thinking of putting your Albuquerque home on the market, contact one of our Prudential Sandia Real Estate agents today. We want to help you make your home’s first impression a “WOW!”

Now more than ever, home buyers are seeking the cost savings of a “green” home. According to a recent NAR (National Association Of Realtors®) survey, 90 percent of recent home buyers thought energy efficiency was a very important consideration when searching for a home. And the demand is growing!

There are a number of things sellers can do to make their homes more environmentally friendly and marketable while reducing their energy and water costs in the interim. The following list is by no means exhaustive:

• Windows: Weather-strip them to improve your insulation with fiberglass alternatives.
• Toilets and sinks: Convert them to low-flush and add water sensors and low-flow faucets to all sinks.
• Fluorescent lighting systems: Replace them with Light Emitting Diode (LED) systems.
• Appliances: Replace them with energy-efficient appliances that meet the federal government’s Energy Star efficiency standards. For more information, visit energystar.gov.
• Heating and Cooling systems: Convert them to Dual-zone w/separate thermostats for each level (or section). For example, in the Winter, warm heated air rises, so you may consider heating just the first floor. In the Summer, cooled air sinks, so you may decide to cool just the second floor.
• Flooring: Replace damaged flooring with recycled wood flooring. Or use low-emission carpeting (and stains/paints).
• Landscaping: Utilize drought-resistant landscaping by using plants native to your region. Place trees and shrubs strategically for Summer shading on your home and Winter sunlight warming. Water with Rainwater barrels.
• Solar Energy: Add solar panels to your roof and you’ll be able to take advantage of many energy-saving applications!

Don’t second-guess the above list; call your utility company to find out about getting an energy audit of your heating system, water heater, major appliances, etc. Take a quick look at Realtor Magazine’s ( www.realtor.org/rmohome/home) video on “Inside an Energy Audit”:

Besides energy audits, utility companies may also offer rebates or discounts on energy-saving products. PNM’s Energy Efficiency Program offers several such incentives.

Don’t forget to save your utility bills to prove the energy savings later to potential home buyers. And speaking of buyers, be aware that you can select a Realtor® who has earned NAR’s Green Designation to help you search for environmentally friendly properties! You can now find Realtors® with this designation in the “Find a REALTOR®” section at REALTOR.org. For more information about the Green Resource Council and the designation, visit GreenREsourceCouncil.org.