Local Realtors answer questions about trends and offer tips to homebuyers and sellers considering buying or selling a home in or around Cy-Fair.

What would improve a house’s appeal to homebuyers?

Landscaping and pressure washing would be my two recommendations. Pressure washing has a huge effect on a house and the way it looks. Always have the windows cleaned, especially the front door, and have it repainted, if needed. Depending on the age of the house, if the roof has streak marks on it, companies can wash it off to make it look newer and brighter.

What are some things that could be done to the entryway of the house to give a better first impression?

Keep it clean and uncluttered, and make sure the paint is up to date. Do a little staging with an entryway piece and a lamp or candles. Keep it simple because you do not want it cluttered. Also, make sure it’s not filled with a lot of personal items.

What landscaping tips do you have for sellers?

Trim the bushes and plant fresh flowers—a pop of color looks really nice. Put in fresh mulch if needed, but a common thing we see is when people get mulch too high up on the house.

What advice would you give to people who are selling their house in a competitive market?

Hire a stager or have your agent give you a list of things to do. Pricing it correctly is important. My No. 1 thing is your pictures online are huge—get professional photos.