Are you looking to put your house on the market? Here are some easy ideas to grab potential buyers’ attention before they’ve even set foot through your front door…
When it comes to selling your home, first impressions count. While focusing on the interior of your property is important, many people forget that potential buyers are being influenced to buy (or not) before they’ve even had a chance to notice your clutter-free surfaces or beautifully hoovered flooring. They’ll be making judgements from the moment they clock your house from the street.
Kerb appeal (how attractive the exterior of your home is) can be easily overlooked but is a vital component when it comes to selling your house. The good news is, you don’t have to spend a fortune to improve yours. Here are eight quick and easy ways to increase your kerb appeal today…
1. Refresh your front door
Your front door is one of the first things potential buyers will notice when they walk towards your house, so make sure yours stands out for all the right reasons. Wooden front doors can be spruced up with a fresh coat of paint in an attractive, traditional colour, such as navy, charcoal or red, while PVC doors can be cleaned with specialist products. And don’t forget the hardware. Metal letterboxes, house numbers and door knockers will all look more appealing after a quick polish (or if they’re old and rusted, consider replacing them).
2. Clean the front path and driveway
Keeping your front path and driveway clean and weed-free is a great way to ensure your home looks loved and well-maintained. A once-over with a jet washer is usually enough to do the trick.
3. Clean the windows
This is a quick fix, but one that can make a real difference. Consider employing a local window cleaner to ensure a professional finish.
4. Hide the bins
Even if you usually leave your bins by the front of your house for ease on collection day, now’s not the time to have them on display. Move them to the side of your home out of sight if possible, or consider purchasing specially designed bin storage units to keep everything looking neat.
5. Add a splash of colour
If you have flowerbeds, ensure they’re looking in tip-top condition by planting an array of bright and colourful flowers (and, of course, mow the lawn if you have one). No flowerbeds or lawn? Consider planters or window boxes to add a pop of colour and make your home look loved and attractive.
6. Check your guttering and roofing
No potential buyer wants to spot an immediate maintenance issue! Make sure guttering is clear and clean and that there are no roofing issues, such as missing tiles. Ensuring the property looks well-maintained will help potential buyers feel assured there are no hidden or underlying problems.
7. Consider feature lighting
If you’re keen to make a stylish statement, consider your outdoor lighting. A simple porch light can make a home look warm and inviting for evening viewings while uplighting either side of your door can look highly attractive. For a quick and easy solution, you could add cheap but effective solar-powered lights to flowerbeds or planters.
8. Look beyond the boundary
Remember, when potential buyers view your home, they’re not just considering the house but the street and area. While street maintenance is not your responsibility, ensuring the area around your home is free from litter or excessive fallen leaves is a good idea. A quick sweep of the surrounding pavements can make a real difference in increasing kerb appeal.