One of the most common things I hear from homeowners is that they want to improve their home's curb appeal. But I also hear this: "I don't know where to start!" I've had hundreds of consultations with homeowners. Across the board, knowing where to begin is the hardest part for almost everyone.

When I first became a homeowner, I was an "all or nothing" guy when it came to home maintenance. I thought I had to do every maintenance task at once or none at all. Anytime I missed something, I’d get overwhelmed and discouraged. Then I’d just put things off even longer. That’s not a good way to maintain a home. My approach changed when I realized I didn't have to be all-in on maintenance but to look at it from an 80/20 standpoint.

Figuring out someone’s home's value can be a touchy subject. Unpopular truth that most real estate agents talk about with each other but rarely address with clients: nearly all of us overestimate what our own homes are actually worth. Let’s look at what really goes into determining a home’s value so you can avoid some missteps when it’s time to list your home.

Selling your home is a lot of work, and it can sure stir up some emotions along the way. But with the right approach, you can get through the sale with a smile.