Score more than style points with great curb appeal.

Whether you are preparing to put your house on the market or just simply want to keep up with the Jones’s, you will never have a second chance to make a great first impression.

No matter what is going on inside the house, a negative first impression will last a long time.

Cleanliness Counts Scores Huge Points –

Real estate, construction and most Las Vegas neighbors agree, the best way to keep up curb appeal is to keep trash and other debris such as weeds and dead plants out of your yard.

Consider painting if you need a paint job. Resist the temptation to paint only the parts of a house that can be seen from the front. Paint your front door a friendly, contrasting color to make it stand out.

Make sure doors and window casings are in good condition. Replace light fixtures and hardware on the door if it’s worn or outdated.

Once everything is in good shape, you may find that an annual power wash will go a long, long ways towards maintaining the curb appeal of your building. Dirt and cobwebs build up in stucco over a short amount of time.

Colored soil from flowerbeds or landscaping can splash back during rainstorms to create a ring around the house. Window casings can collect dirt all year round.

An annual power wash will also extend the life of most paint jobs.

Other ways to improve curb appeal:

• Keep your entryway symmetrical. If you add a planter box on the right side of the door or porch, add something similar to the left. Potted plants or flowers are always a nice touch.
• Install great looking outdoor lights.
• Replace a timeworn mailbox.
• Add shutters or other exterior details such as ironwork to give your home some added dimension.