The last thing you want to do when putting your house up for sale is to curb a potential buyer’s enthusiasm by underestimating just how important curb appeal is.

Just like brilliant packaging or the cover of a book that makes you want to pick it up, what people see of your home from the street should make them want to see more.

In fact, a good way to gauge your home’s curb appeal is to act the part of a homebuyer. Walk across the street to get a good view of your home. Walk up and down the length of the street, pausing to look at it from all perspectives. Now walk towards your front door, taking the path a potential buyer would. Look around you and take notice as if it were the first time.

What is your first impression of the house and yard? What are the best exterior features? How can you enhance them? What are the worst exterior features? How can you minimize or improve them?

Taking pictures of your home’s exterior can also help. Here’s a little trick: If you have a digital camera, view the color versions first, then black and white. It’s easier to see potential problems when color isn’t affecting our senses.

Also, if the rear view of your home is visible from another street, an alley or someone’s driveway, include it in your assessment. Potential buyers will do their best to see all they can before even making an appointment.

You may be thinking that this will cost a lot. But some of the most inexpensive and important ways to improve the appeal of your home are cleanliness and upkeep, says Linda Miller, Realtor with Prudential Spokane Real Estate and president of the Spokane Association of REALTORS®.

“Keep the grass green and well maintained, pull weeds, plant bright flowers in attractive pots, give your doors – front and garage – a new coat of paint, and even offer kindly to help clean a neighbor’s yard, if necessary,” says Miller. “Some mistakes homeowners make are the wrong color paint (your home should fit in with the neighborhood), extreme landscaping that will require a lot of maintenance, and not keeping blinds and curtains that show from the street in good condition.”

Other things homeowners should be aware of in regards to curb appeal:

-- Peeling paint is not appealing! Touch it up, or if re-painting the entire house, use neutral colors.

-- Dented garage doors aren’t a positive forecast of what could be inside the home.

-- Plants in gutters can be a sign of general lack-of-upkeep. Keep plants where they belong and keep gutters free and clear.

-- Soiled siding and/or dingy decks. Pressure-wash these clean, and if necessary, use a mold and mildew cleaner. Don’t forget sidewalks, driveway and roof as well.

-- Unkempt trees. Trim dead limbs from trees that are near or touching the home’s roof.

-- Hidden windows/doorways. Trim overgrown shrubs so they don’t obscure windows and/or doors.

-- Tipsy “For Sale” sign. Let your REALTOR® know if the sign starts to tip or needs upkeep of any kind. Keep a box full of updated flyers.

Now do your curb appeal exercise again at dusk, since it isn’t unusual for potential buyers to drive by in the evening. Look for how well the outside is lit. Look at the lighting that’s coming through from the inside and determine how attractive it is. Steer clear of inexpensive fluorescent light bulbs and opt for those that cast a soft, inviting glow. Stringing low voltage lighting along your driveway and sidewalks can be inexpensive and simple, while adding a lot of character.

Tap into your creativity. You’ll find that there’s a solution to almost any problem that also lets you stay within budget while increasing curb appeal.