The $5 Home Makeover

Real estate professionals in Sacramento, Calif., suggest five $5 investments that boost curb appeal or make a listing more attractive to potential buyers:

• Give the trim around the front door a fresh coat of paint, covering up fingerprints and dings.
• Fertilize the grass so it’s bright green.
• Hang a small flag that says, “Welcome.”
• Place a big pot of yellow marigolds in the foyer – yellow makes people feel comfortable.
• Dribble a few drops of vanilla on the oven door and turn it to low. (It’ll smell just like cookies baking.)

Source: The Sacramento Bee, Jim Wasserman (05/04/07)

I would add:

• Lay out a fresh welcome mat for the front door


• Upgrade lightbulbs to a higher wattage for more light


• Install a scented A/C filter


• Spread a few bags of fresh mulch in the flower beds


• Set the table with new attractive place mats