When getting ready to sell your home, it's easy to focus on interior updates - repainting walls, arranging furniture, or doing minor repairs. However, one of the most overlooked yet impactful aspects of the sale process is your home's exterior. Before a prospective buyer even crosses the threshold, an appraiser or home inspector is already forming a professional opinion that can influence your home’s value and appeal.
Appraisers evaluate property based on location, size, condition, and visual presentation, while inspectors are focused on structural integrity and potential red flags. The first impression your exterior makes can shape their assessments and subtly influence a buyer’s trust in the property.
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance that first impression is through pressure washing. A freshly cleaned façade, walkways, and driveway immediately signal that the home has been well cared for - helping to set a positive tone before anyone steps inside.
Below, we’ll break down the key exterior details that professionals notice first and show you how to address them strategically with our comprehensive Pre-Sale Exterior Checklist - because small improvements can lead to big returns.
Studies have shown that people form first impressions within 90 seconds of seeing something new. The same is true for homes. Whether it’s an appraiser noting curb appeal or an inspector analyzing drainage from the driveway, those early impressions can frame how professionals evaluate the rest of your property.
Beyond aesthetics, the home’s exterior gives appraisers and inspectors clues about how well the property has been maintained. A neglected lawn, clogged gutters, or dirty siding may raise red flags, even if your interior is pristine.
What they notice:
Sagging areas
Missing or curling shingles
Algae or moss growth
Signs of recent repairs or patchwork
Flashing and vent integrity
Why it matters:
Your roof plays a critical role in protecting your home. Inspectors will be looking for signs of water penetration or age-related deterioration. Appraisers may lower your value if the roof appears near end-of-life or poorly maintained.
What to do:
Schedule a professional roof inspection before listing.
Replace missing shingles and clean off moss or debris.
Provide documentation if the roof has been recently repaired or replaced.
What they notice:
Cracked, peeling, or fading paint
Warped or moldy siding
Stains from runoff or mildew
Inconsistent patch jobs or outdated materials
Why it matters:
Exterior siding that looks clean and intact signals that the home has been well cared for. Conversely, damaged siding can suggest deeper issues like water intrusion or pest problems.
What to do:
Have the exterior professionally cleaned to remove grime and buildup.
Repaint areas showing signs of wear.
Replace any broken or rotting boards or panels.
What they notice:
Cloudy or fogged glass (indicates failed seals)
Cracked frames or damaged caulking
Rot or warping in wood trim
Functionality (do they open, close, and lock properly?)
Why it matters:
Windows aren’t just decorative, they affect energy efficiency, ventilation, and security. Appraisers often note window quality in determining value, and inspectors will flag issues that could cost the buyer later.
What to do:
Re-caulk or seal edges as needed.
Clean all windows inside and out.
Replace or repair any damaged frames or screens.
What they notice:
Gutters filled with debris or sagging
Downspouts not directing water away from the foundation
Evidence of water pooling near the home
Why it matters:
Improper drainage can lead to foundation issues, basement leaks, and erosion. Inspectors are particularly attuned to signs of water mismanagement.
What to do:
Clean out gutters and downspouts.
Add extensions to downspouts to direct water safely away.
Grade the soil near your foundation to slope away from the home.
What they notice:
Overgrown trees or bushes
Bare patches in grass or weeds in walkways
Neglected flower beds or lawn damage
Tree branches too close to the house or roof
Why it matters:
While appraisers typically don’t assign direct value to landscaping, a well-kept yard improves the overall perception of quality and care. It also prevents inspectors from flagging potential issues (like root intrusion or damage from falling branches).
What to do:
Trim hedges and trees - especially near the roofline.
Add fresh mulch to beds for a clean appearance.
Fix bare patches in your lawn and edge walkways.
What they notice:
Cracks, stains, or potholes
Uneven surfaces that could pose tripping hazards
Cleanliness and appearance of the main entrance
Why it matters:
A deteriorated driveway or hazardous entryway can be noted by an inspector and discourage buyers immediately. Appraisers may deduct value if they suspect future repair costs.
What to do:
Power wash surfaces to remove grime, algae, and oil stains.
Fill cracks with concrete filler or consider resurfacing if needed.
Add a new welcome mat and ensure lighting is functional and attractive.
What they notice:
Rotting wood, rusted nails, or unstable railings
Faded or flaking paint/stain
Sagging fences or leaning sheds
Why it matters:
Structures like decks and fences can be selling points—but only if they’re in good condition. If not, they may be seen as liabilities that require future investment.
What to do:
Reseal or repaint wood surfaces.
Repair any broken boards or railings.
Ensure all gates, doors, and hinges work smoothly.
While it may seem minor, small visual details make a lasting impact:
Remove visual clutter, including toys, garden tools, hoses, and seasonal decorations.
Touch up paint on doors and shutters for a polished look.
Add inviting touches, such as flowers, tasteful house numbers, and well-lit porches create an emotional connection.
Appraisers and inspectors don’t just rely on what they see - they also review your records. Prepare documentation for:
This demonstrates a pattern of care and helps support your asking price.
Hiring professionals for key pre-sale services can make a major difference:
Remember: investing a few hundred dollars now can yield thousands more at the closing table.
When it comes to home selling, what’s on the outside really does count. A clean, well-maintained exterior not only increases perceived value, it puts appraisers and inspectors in the right mindset as they begin their evaluations. And that can translate into smoother negotiations, faster offers, and higher returns.
By following this often-overlooked checklist, you’ll position your home as a standout in a competitive market - one that exudes pride of ownership, quality, and trustworthiness from the very first glance.
