There isnt a realtor in existence who wouldnt tell you that one of the most important terms that you can learn when youre trying to sell your house, is curb appeal.

So while youre sprucing up your home, its wise to start outside, and work your way in. Begin by a good walk around the grounds to give yourself an idea of what youre up against, and then use these tips as a sort of checklist to get yourself on the right track.

Take the time to walk around your property wearing good thick gloves, and carrying a garbage bag. Pick up every bit of refuse, yard waste, and other unsightly things, and throw them away. When the garbage is gone, then do another lap and remove all of the clutter outside. This can include things such as:

Kids toys

Yard care tools (wheelbarrows, lawn mowers, weeding tools, garden hoses, etc.)

Tools

Bicycles

Depending on how you usually keep your property, this one effort can make a staggering difference to the outer appearance of your home.

Trim Shrubbery

Shrubbery and other greenery that has an unkempt appearance can often be misconstrued as a sign of neglect, and gives a bad impression of your house overall. Prospective homebuyers who see shrubbery that has not been well maintained may not even be aware of their observation, but it will have an impact on the way they view your property as a whole.

If they do observe the unkempt shrubbery directly, they may make the assumption that the rest of the home has not been properly maintained.

Keep bushes and shrubs neat, and well-shaped, to give the overall impression that the entire property has been well cared for.

For that added touch, try to keep the shrubbery in line with the other greenery and outdoor decorations that you have on your property. This will be even more eye-pleasing from the street level, creating more interest.

Should the size of your shrubbery be such that it makes walking up to your home a challenge, you should consider taking them out. Shrubbery that is too large not only makes the home appear much smaller, but it also creates a hazard where safety is concerned.

This may also make prospective buyers think of it as a hindrance because theyll think of it as something that will need to be taken care of; this even before theyve even entered your home.

Its a very inexpensive task that you can do yourself, and it shouldnt take more than a couple of hours of your time to get done. If you dont have the time, the ability, or the inclination to trim the shrubbery, dont just let it go. This can only risk losing a lot of time and money in the long run.

Instead, consider hiring a professional. This will cost approximately $35 to $45 per hour, but it will be well worth the small investment in the end.

With a bit of luck, youll only need to do it once before your home is sold a one time effort that will go a very long way.