Your Bahamas Real Estate After The Storm

Now is a great time to focus on the exterior details that will make your Bahamas real estate stand out when buyers first lay eyes on it.

Starting at the top, make sure your roofing materials are functional and looking good. Gutters should be cleaned out and repaired after Hurricane Irene, and any signs of water damage eliminated. Replace any rotten wood in the boxing.

Little details have a huge impact on real estate. Paint is cheap, but pays off handsomely when you apply it to any trim, railings, shutters, boxing and especially the front door.

A new knob and knocker wouldn't hurt; a street number and a flowering potted plant make a good impression, too. Once you've improved those details, light it up with attractive outdoor lighting.

Finally, there's the front yard and driveway. Your walkways and driveway set the tone for the rest of your Bahamas real estate, so make sure they are meticulously swept, edged and maintained.

Of course, mow the lawn regularly; keep it fertilized for a lush look and keep pulling up those weeds. Prune branches stripped bare by Irene. The recent heavy rain will bring new growth.

It's easy to save money while still giving your yard an expensive landscaped look by simply buying lots of pretty flowering plants that do well in the Bahamas. Think penta, lantana, hibiscus and alamanda. Plant them in groups and place mulch around them, or use large pretty pots on your porch and strategic areas around your driveway and walkways.

Discourage our local pigeon and dove population by empting any dog food bowls after your pet has finished eating.

You know how important first impressions are, so don't waste any opportunity to maximize your Bahamas real estate appeal.