Create a great first impression
You don't get a second chance to make a first impression. This is even more important when you are selling. By spending a few hours improving the entrance of your home, you can create the right energy the moment buyers first step foot on your property. After all, when it comes to prepping your home for sale, you want potential buyers to be able to envision themselves walking into a space that speaks to them; inviting them to explore further and compelling them to see themselves living and thriving in your home.
1. Neat, clean and cared for
The first thing to do is to make sure that everything looks clean and well cared for. A tidy, clean home is a warm and inviting home. It tells buyers that you have taken good care of it, hence, the property must be in good condition.
So make sure roofing, gutters, windows, balustrades, driveways, footpaths, walls, and garden areas are clean and in good repair. Sweep and mop up any muddy tiles, and get rid of things like spider webs and unnecessary clutter on your doorstep.
If you have a front gate, it becomes the initial point of contact for people visiting your home. Therefore, it should be clean and in good condition. If you have a squeaky gate, lubricate your gate hinges with a product specifically made for metal surfaces, such as WD-40.
If possible, keep the garbage bins tucked away out of sight (you can relocate them in your garden shed or create a makeshift bin screen), and clear out your letter box each day to ensure no flyers or newspapers are left sticking out.
2. Enhance the doorway
If you have sufficient space, place a range of matching terracotta pots with plants against the wall near your entrance. For the average-sized doorway, use pots up to a metre high. If your home is an older style, aged classic cone-shaped pots with a rolled rim containing colourful flowers, like geraniums, will give a traditional welcome feeling. Tall angular pots that taper downwards are very popular for more modern homes. Add architectural plants like succulents for a striking effect.
If your front door is old and unsightly, give it a good clean and consider a repaint. You can also create a DIY wreath for your front door to spruce up the front porch.
To improve the appearance of your front doorstep, place a doormat down and consider a pot plant with fragrant flowers such as Daphne to make your entranceway even more inviting.
3. Add hanging pots
If you have a small front entrance, add some intrigue and greenery with a vertical garden or hanging plants. By strategically placing hanging pots with vibrant plants or cascading foliage, you can create a delightful visual focal point that effortlessly captures attention. The vertical dimension they add helps maximize the available space, making the entrance area feel more expansive and lively.
Living plants at the entrance can significantly enhance the sense of welcome and charm for potential buyers, creating an inviting atmosphere that draws them in.
4. Make the most of available light
Often hallways are narrow and dark. If your house suffers from this problem, try painting the walls white to lighten things up, or add a skylight if your budget allows. Some additional ideas to maximise natural light in your home entranceway include strategically placed mirrors along the hallway to reflect both natural and artificial light. Consider installing sconces, pendant lights, or LED track lighting to supplement natural light and illuminate darker corners of the hallway. You can also make a small, dark hallway feel lighter and more open by adding art pieces or photos in metallic or mirrored frames.
5. Pave the path to the front door
Guide buyers to your door with a paved pathway. Plain white pavers look terrific against a green lawn. If the steps to your front door look a little shabby, a great trick is to the tile the step rises, rather than ripping everything out and starting from scratch.
Frame your pathway or driveway with garden borders or edging. These borders can define the pathway and complement the overall landscaping. Another great home entrance staging tip is to install subtle lighting along the pathway/driveway to illuminate it during the evening. Solar-powered or low-voltage LED lights not only add a welcoming ambiance but also improve safety and highlight the pavement's design features.
Incorporate focal points or landscaping features along the path, such as a small fountain, a decorative bench, or strategically placed sculptures or garden ornaments. These features capture attention and create visual interest as potential buyers make their way to your front door.
6. Maintain your privacy
In many areas, especially the inner city, security and privacy are selling points, so low to medium walls at the front of your house can appeal to buyers. Don’t forget to check with your local council to ensure all building regulations are met. If applicable, integrate a gate or an attractive entrance feature within the wall. A well-designed gate can enhance the overall look of the property while adding an extra layer of security.
Planting shrubs, hedges, or flowering vines can add a natural touch while also creating a border of privacy. Additionally, integrating security cameras or surveillance systems can further boost the sense of safety and provide peace of mind to potential buyers.
7. Consult with a professional
Consider seeking advice from a professional stager or a real estate agent to get personalised recommendations for enhancing your entranceway's appeal and making it more marketable. Often, they can suggest cost-effective improvements or minor changes that can make a significant impact. Stagers and agents know how to accentuate your property's unique features. They can suggest ways to showcase architectural elements, natural lighting, or other distinctive characteristics of your entranceway that can captivate potential buyers.
DISCLAIMER - The information provided is for guidance and informational purposes only and does not replace independent business, legal and financial advice which we strongly recommend. Whilst the information is considered true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact the accuracy of the information provided. LJ Hooker will not accept responsibility or liability for any reliance on the blog information, including but not limited to, the accuracy, currency or completeness of any information or links.
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