When you’re getting ready to sell a property or other investment, there are a lot of things you can do to create curb appeal so everything works in your favor. Statistics show that potential buyers decide in about the first 10 seconds of seeing the outside of a house whether they want to see the inside. This is one of the single most important things you can do to attract buyers initially. Not only so you can get more for your property, but also sell it faster than you might otherwise.

Here are some cost effect things you can do quickly to make your real estate investment more profitable. You may be familiar with some of these concepts but are you using them all to your advantage? A lot of these principles also apply for creative real estate investing strategies like foreclosures, flipping, wholesaling, lease options, property assignments and rehabs.

Aside from standard cleaning, here are some of the most important things you can do to have the most impact with minimal cost:

-First of all, trim shrubs, grass and clean up flower beds

-Many investment properties can be made to look like new by simply pressure washing exterior walls

-Use touch up paint where you can avoid repainting entire rooms

-When new paint is needed, use neutral, lighter colors that will appeal to more buyers.

-Eliminate or replace “dated” features like wall paper, old fixtures and knobs

-Eliminate clutter or garbage including that in closets and pantries

-Have the carpets cleaned or replace areas that absolutely need it

-You can repaint the front door if needed to add color and definition.

-Sweep and clean the pathway to the front porch

-Clean out gutters and spouts

-Remove oils stains in the driveway

-Fix any cracks, leaks or stains

-Put down welcome mats or replace old ones

-If room permits, add a small bench or seating on the porch or just inside the entry.

-Add color to the entry way with flower pots on the porch

-Replace old or dim lights with new brighter ones

-Clean or re-grout tile including showers and bathrooms

-Clean or replace old blinds, drapes and shower curtains. Get rid of dated drapes and make sure as much natural light can get into the house as possible

-Clean handrails, light switches and door handles

-Wash windows and mirrors

-Air out the house and use natural air fresheners. Avoid chemical based air fresheners or sprays; there are many people that have allergic reactions to them.

Remember, you don’t have to break the bank with excessive remodeling; many of the things we’ve talked about will not cost very much but can make a big difference. Some of the small details will actually do more for you then expensive renovations. This can even be advantageous for low risk, quick cash strategies such as a system to flip houses and similar effective fast cash investment strategies!