So, you’re preparing your house for sale. Chances are, you are busy repainting internal walls, fixing the bathroom vanity, replacing old carpet and giving the kitchen a mini-makeover. Great, all these things count 100%. But, have you stopped to think about how your house looks from the street? Have you stopped to critique your home’s curb appeal?
Just as in a job interview or when meeting someone new, first impressions count. How someone feels when they pull up to your Open Home will set the tone for their experience.
Luckily, improving or elevating your home’s curb appeal is a simple job and one that doesn’t incur much of a cost.
We believe you can improve your curb appeal with 7 simple jobs.
A Fresh Paint Job
A fresh coat of paint, or paintwork in pristine condition, signals to a would-be buyer that this home has been cared for.
If you intend on repainting your house ahead of listing it for sale, choose a neutral colour that is warm and inviting, one that will appeal to a range of potential buyers. Anything too bold or edgy, and you risk shrinking the audience to which your home appeals.
Exterior Wash
Assuming your home’s paint job is fresh or, at least, in good condition, it is critical that the exterior of your home, including windows, is clean, free of cobwebs and any other environmental residue.
Before your home goes on the market, ensure the exterior is sparkling clean; this will deliver a powerful first impression.
Plants and Front Gardens
If you have a front garden, ensure that your plants are in good health, lawns mowed, trees pruned, and the garden presents well overall.
In the absence of a garden, potted plants and planter boxes are a brilliant way to inject some colour vibrancy and soften the look and feel of your entranceway.
Outdoor Furniture
Assess the condition of any outdoor furniture. Broken, weathered and tired old furniture can detract from other appealing features.
Waterblasting is an excellent way to inject new life into your outdoor furniture—incorporate plants and other outdoor ornaments to create a unique outdoor space. Do anything you can to help potential buyers imagine themselves enjoying time here.
Outdoor Lighting
It is usual for a would-be buyer to do a drive-by of your house before attending an Open Home. Outdoor lighting that illuminates the entrance to your home will make it look warm and inviting should these curious potential purchasers perform an evening drive-by.
Again, it is about painting a picture and presenting your home so that people can envisage themselves as the owners. In this case, greeting evening guests or arriving home after dark to a well-lit, secure, and welcoming home.
Mailbox and House Numbers
Replacing an old worn mailbox or faded house number may seem like a small and insignificant job that will have little impact on your home’s curb appeal, but it can be this precise detail that sends the strongest message – this is a home where attention to detail matters. This is a house that is loved.
So, before you list your home for sale, take a step back and try to view your house from a stranger’s perspective. Better yet, ask your neighbours or friends for an objective opinion. Ask them what they would change.
A few minor jobs over a weekend could be all it takes!