Making a good first impression is key when presenting your home for sale. Potential buyers and renters are always extra vigilant when it comes to viewing properties, from the front gate to the back garden, meaning it’s even more important to present your home in the best light from the start.
But even if you’re not looking to sell up, there’s something to be said for sprucing up the front of your home.
One of the best ways to do that is to maximise your kerb appeal, which refers to how awesome your home looks when it’s viewed from the road. When you think about searching for properties online, how likely are you to click on details for a home if the lead photograph isn’t that great?
The homes that perform the best on property websites like Zoopla and Rightmove are the ones that grab your attention from the beginning, and this is just one thing you can do to achieve this.
Thankfully, maximising your kerb appeal doesn’t have to break the bank!
So, where do we start?
1) Front and Centre
The front door is always a good place to start, especially as it’s one of the first things that people see when they come to your home. UPVC doors can be cleaned easily with the right product and if you’ve got a wooden door why not consider giving it a fresh lick of paint? You can also bring your garage or front gate into the equation for a bit of colour coordination.
Giving your letterboxes and door handles a polish shows good attention to detail, but if they’re looking a little tired don’t be afraid to replace them.
2) Plot your Path to Success
The path to your front door or driveway can easily get dirty, so applying some TLC whether that’s with a pressure washer or a bucket of warm water and scrubbing brush, it will instantly help your outside space.
If you have paving stones, then keeping your weeds in check is also a good move. Making sure large front porches, paths or driveways are clear will make things look tidier.
Stone chips are a feature of many homes and it’s also one that’s easily refreshed. Locate some similar stones to your current ones and use a rake to spread them together and you’ll be surprised by how much it refreshes the approach to your front door.
3) Plant an Impression
A simple touch but an effective one. Adding some greenery around your front door suggests to the naked eye that you take care of your property, so look into getting some potted plants. Hanging baskets are another option if ground space is limited.
4) Window Dressing
The windows on your front room are another area where small improvements can make a big difference. Have a look into replacing your curtains or blinds with lined alternatives for a tidy appearance or if your windows aren’t providing you with enough insulation or soundproofing you could even look at replacing them altogether.
5) Night Lights
Look at the area around your front door at night and imagine how much more welcoming it could be with a bit of light. An outdoor power supply will help if you’re looking to install something akin to a classic-style lamp, but you needn’t go overboard. A solar-powered light is easy to install and charges itself during the day so won’t cost you extra!
6) Lick of Paint
Even washing grubby windows, stonework and facia can make your home look brighter and more inviting but if the paint is flaky then it could be worth giving them a quick lick of paint.
Finally, the first impression is everything. Never a truer word has been spoken with the old saying “You’ll never get a second chance to create a first impression”. When you went for a job interview, our on a date or even to a formal event you clearly made an effort in presentation. Why? Because it was important to create the right impression to get the best result. So why would it be any different here!
Some of these top tips can be done at very little cost and can completely revitalise your properties kerb appeal, so it’s worth considering doing when selling to enhance the buyer experience as it often translates to a quicker and even higher offer.
