1. Clear and clean the yard
Get rid of all shrubbery that is too close to the house. Make way for the work. Trim the trees back five feet from the roof so that the branches will not rub on the shingles when the wind blows.

Carpenters and painters work better if they don't arm wrestle holly bushes, and your buying public will once again be able to gaze upon the beauty of your investment. Keep the yard cut and the vegetation trimmed neatly so the house will look its best from the curb.