(NC) We all know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, however when it comes to real estate, first impressions go a long way.

Homebuyers tend to use the exterior of a home and its yard as a gauge on what the inside looks like.  Buyers will often do a 'drive-by' before deciding whether or not to request a showing. First impressions are critical to capture the attention of homebuyers and send the message that the home has been well cared for, inside and out.

To ensure your home stands out and gets noticed for the right reasons this fall, Verge recommends taking care of these simple steps before listing:

• Cut: Make sure trees and bushes are neatly trimmed.

• Clear: Remove leaves and sticks from gutters. Make sure the lawn is mowed, leaves are raked and weeds are removed.

• Clean: Wash windows, pressure-wash dirty siding and decks, and kill mould and mildew on the house, sidewalks, roof and driveway.

• Paint: If you can't afford to do the whole house, a fresh coat of paint will transform your front door and provide a more welcoming entrance.

• Primp: Add a boost of colour to your garden with fall bloomers like mums and pansies.

• Upgrade: Change outdated locks and handles on your front door, replace rusty fixtures and add lighting to the front porch and yard.

Preparing the exterior is one of the most important things sellers can do to ready a home for sale.  With a little creativity and care, you can rest assured that your home looks its best without breaking the bank.