"Curb appeal" is the good impression or feeling made when looking at a home from the curb to the front door. It is taking the best exterior feature of the house or yard and enhancing it to the fullest potential. Believe it or not, it can be one of the most important factors to home buyers and many will choose not to view the inside of a home if the outside does not look up to par.

Here's how to maximize your curb appeal:

Keep landscaping neatly trimmed and maintained. Keep your grass green and replace dead spots with new sod or seed. Don't neglect flowers, plants and trees. Trim dead stems or branches and if they aren't looking good, replace them! You'd be surprised how far some inexpensive annuals, like petunias or impatiens, will go.

Add low voltage landscape lighting. It's an easy and instant upgrade that will really make a dramatic effect at night.
Re-paint the exterior - including trim, shutters, front entry door and garage door. If needed, replace the hardware with new door handles, knobs, etc.

Replace your mailbox. The last thing a home buyer wants to see after leaving a beautiful home and yard, is a beaten-down old mailbox.

Park your vehicles in the garage. This will showcase your home from the street and to show that the driveway has ample room for any potential needs.

Remember, no matter what your budget is, always keep it simple, neutral and appealing to the masses. The way you live and the way you sell are two totally different worlds so you want to set the stage to invite buyers into your home with welcoming curb appeal.

Joshua "Dr." Suess is owner of The Focused On Your Family Team with Re/Max of Valencia, 702-4640; www.NoHassleNoRisk.com

SCV Real Estate Update

Number of Closed Sales in SCV
Aug. 2007—Sept. 2007:304
Number of Closed Sales in SCV
Aug. 2008—Sept. 2008: 343
Bottom Line: The number of sales is increasing when compared to last year, or even the last eight months of 2008.

Average List Price
Aug. 2007—Sept. 2007: $564,560 $311.85 per square foot
Average List Price
Aug. 2008—Sept. 2008: $429,849 $233.65 per square foot
Bottom Line: The average list price has fallen $134,711, or 24 percent.