Nancy Knows Madison County

If doors could talk, what do you think your home's front entrance would say?

Would it say, "Hi, Boo Radley's not here right now, but you can wait right there under the cobwebs." 

Or would it say, "I'm a clean and stylish owner who cares deeply about my home because even the entrance is gorgeous."

I suspect most front doors here in St. Louis' Illinois suburbs of Madison and St. Clair counties actually fall somewhere in between scary and scintillating. But if you're planning to get your home ready for the market, you'll want to try to get closer to one than the other. 

Here are a few door-decor tips:

• Get some Windex (or the window cleaner of your choice) and remove the doggy or kitty nose prints from the inside of the glass. Outside, spray the glass and wipe away the streaks.
• Tighten or fix any loose hardware.
• Dust the porch lights and replace burned-out bulbs.
• Touch up chips or repaint the door if you have time.
• Add a door mat. It doesn't have to have the word "Welcome" written on it, but it should be clean and attractive. Plus it will keep potential buyers from dragging the outside in.
• Add a wreath or seasonal decor of some sort, but don't overdo the cute factor.
• If you have a porch, dress it up with size-appropriate furniture, but don't crowd the door.
• If it's spring or summer, add real flowers.
• No fake flowers. Ever.
• Fall? Add an arrangement of pumpkins and gourds nearby.
• Make sure the door bell works. I can't tell you how often I see buyers trying it out.

Give some of these ideas a try and soon you'll be saying goodbye to your old door (with the house attached) and hello to your next place.