How your home looks from the outside can be just as, if not more, important than how it looks on the inside. We all make first impressions, and when you only have moments to wow potential buyers you never want to miss a trick. Kerb appeal is a term used to describe your home’s appeal as you stand and look at it from the pavement. It’s that picture perfect moment when your house has the opportunity to scream ‘home’ to a potential buyer and can have a big influence on their decision to buy or not. Adding kerb appeal is one of the best ways you can get your home ready for sale and we have some fantastic subtle changes you can make to boost yours.
Spring clean
Years of living in a home can easily lead to a build-up of clutter that you don’t even realise you have, so before you do anything else, now is the perfect time to spring clean. To successfully sell your home you should never ignore any area, especially the first parts a buyer will see when they arrive on a viewing. Tidy away any weeds, dead plants and shrubs, undertake any repairs and clean away everything that doesn’t belong.
Add decorative elements
Old or new, you can give your home character and add a unique touch with a decorative element or two. One of the most popular features over the last year has been outdoor metal wall décor, from signs to symbols – it just adds that little something extra. It doesn’t matter if your house opens onto the street or you have an enclosed lawn area, any outdoor space can be transformed with a little imagination and creativity. If you can’t place a planter by your front door, what about a window box?
Make a statement
Your front door is the focal point of your home, it’s where the eye is drawn when someone passes by and can say a lot about a property. You want your front door to make a statement, one that exudes that what’s inside has been lovingly cared for. Ditch any tired façade and freshen up with a good clean and a bold paint colour that is in-keeping with your home’s architectural style. Check any covenants in case you need to stick to a required palette, from heritage shades to bright colours, keep it simple.
Room for a seat?
There is something about a bench or a seat at the front of a property that adds to that sense of ‘home’. This may not be possible for a lot of properties but if yours has the room consider adding a little something, combined with a couple of planters blooming with colour and you’ve created an area that people will want to enjoy.
Clean your gutters
There is one sure fire way for your home to give a bad first impression and that is through poor house maintenance, such as clogged or dripping gutters. If you are unable to do this job yourself, there are plenty of people locally who can, just ask our team for a recommendation. Potential buyers are drawn to homes that are well maintained rather than those that scream pound signs around every turn.
Paint and Power
Our wonderful British weather can make all surfaces look a bit weathered, whether it is a concrete step, a paved drive or a painted windowsill. Freshen up any painted concrete areas so they are looking pristine but make sure the colour matches the exterior or your home. Power wash paved areas – it’s amazing how quickly they can start looking like new. Don’t forget to clean all your windows too.
A garden in bloom
No matter what the season, you want any garden area to be looking its best, from your lawn to beds to pots, no area should be ignored. Give your lawn some love so that it’s looking green and luscious rather than brown and patchy. Invest in some seasonal plants and shrubs that will add colour even during the colder months; presenting a garden that is easy to care for will appeal to a wider range of buyers.
Add a light
The darker months are on their way, and even this summer we have had dark and grey days, so adding a great looking light at the front of your home goes a long way. It can complement the look and feel of your home as well as creating a warm welcome, regardless of what time of day a viewing takes place.
House number
Can you imagine how frustrating it could be for a buyer to not be able to find your home because they can’t see the house number? Your existing number could be chipped or faded, so why not upgrade to new digits to really make your home stand out? You could opt for traditional numbers on your door or for a contemporary or slate sign, just make sure it is cohesive with your home’s exterior décor.
Attract more buyers
If you wander around your neighbourhood you will notice those properties that command attention and those that fade into the background. Get your home’s kerb appeal right and you are bound to attract more potential buyers and get your home sold quickly. For more advice on how to get your home ready for sale, contact our team at Deakin-White.
