First impressions set the tone for a home tour. Prospective buyers should encounter an attractive, welcoming place before they even walk through the doorway. Here are some tips to crank up your home’s curb appeal.

De-clutter the porch. Lose the extra chairs, the pile of muddy shoes and your dog’s collection of mangled toys.

Help your home bloom. A pot of bright flowers is not only cheerful, it also can draw the eye away from less-than-perfect features.

Don’t forget the door. Give your door a fresh coat of paint, or brighten up the trim. At the very least, clean it well, including the glass window panels.

Add a little sparkle. Upgrading rusty hardware is inexpensive but makes a big difference.

Lose the jungle. Time to get out that trimmer. Make sure the trees and bushes around your home are under control.

Make your bed. If you can, invest in new plants and freshen the mulch. At the very least make sure your flowerbeds are tidy and weed-free.

Tend the lawn. Keep your grass green and mowed while your home is listed. In extreme measures, eco-friendly spray paint is available to green up yellow patches.

Gather the gnomes. And the flamingoes.

Blast the grime. Pressure washers are available to rent from many home improvement stores. You’ll be amazed at how much fresher your porch, siding and front door look after a bath.

Stash your trash. Now’s not the time to impress people with your commitment to the planet. Stash all those recycling, composting and trash bins inside your garage.

Look after number one. Spiff up your house numbers or spring for new ones that match the style of your home.

To help buyers find your home so they can appreciate the front porch and everything else, work with a RE/MAX agent.