When it comes to selling a house, there are many things to consider. With so many tasks on the agenda, sellers can forget a major component: curb appeal. With curb appeal offering buyers a window into your home, the importance of first impressions cannot be overstated.
Curb appeal sets expectations for buyers. If the outside of the house is rundown, they will expect the same inside. If the outside is pristine, buyers will be enticed inside, garnering more prospective buyers and potentially an increased price for your home.
What not to do
When turning your attention to your home’s curb appeal, look for a few key indicators. First, does your home have an entrance? Namely, a paved pathway leading up to the front door. Is there a verandah?
In terms of landscaping, is the garden lively and properly tended to? Finally, when looking at your home’s exterior, does the colour of the walls and roof appear fresh and vibrant?
If the answer to these questions is a resounding no, you will need to work on adding elements of curb appeal to your home. Otherwise, buyers may form a negative opinion of your home before even entering the front door.
The 7 simple ways to improve your curb appeal
With curb appeal playing such a vital role in the selling process, it’s important to make sure that the exterior of your home presents well. While a home’s style might be subjective, every potential buyer will be enthused by a manicured lawn and a faultless paint job.
Fortunately for buyers, improving curb appeal can be a simple weekend project. Tidying up the garden, porch and any other outdoor furnishings goes a long way towards ensuring that your home’s first impression to buyers is positive.
Paint the front door
A fresh coat of paint signals to buyers that you care about the condition of your home. Home owners can choose to find a colour that blends in with their home’s style, or choose a colour that stands out (without taking it too far, as it's easier for buyers to project themselves in a neutral space). This way, your home leaves an impression on buyers.
Replace the mailbox
Replacing the mailbox is another small but crucial step to improving your home’s curb appeal. A new mailbox shows prospective buyers that you care about the details. This is especially important when you consider that you’re selling a lifestyle, not just a home.
A humble mailbox upgrade can give a great first impression. As mailboxes are often the first thing you see when you walk onto a block, a new mailbox can set the tone for the rest of the house.
Add some plants
Planting may sound like a large undertaking. However, simple additions like planters and even window boxes can achieve the desired effect. When placing plants, use them to finish off spaces like a verandah or frame the front door of your home.
Refresh outdoor furniture
Walking into a front yard that is littered with outdoor furniture or pieces that are weathered can be a real turn off. Firstly, it can be too much clutter, something that buyers can't look past. Secondly, it suggests to buyers that perhaps the house itself is poorly cared for.
By giving outdoor furniture a refresh, curb appeal increases, and the lifestyle that your home can offer is showcased. This is because placing a nice furniture set on the wrap-around verandah can help buyers picture their own family enjoying time outside.
Add some lighting to the front
A clear path to the front door helps buyers understand the journey of your home, and adding lights to this path provides buyers with practical reassurance. Namely, if they were ever to come home in the night time, there are lights to guide them into the home.
New house numbers
Faded house numbers can inadvertently indicate to prospective buyers that the home itself is also a little worn out and tired. This can immediately give buyers a poor impression of your home.
Remember, it’s the little details that count. By adding new house numbers to your home’s façade or letterbox, you can easily modernise and give the home the impression of being well looked after.
Power wash
Giving the exterior of your home a power wash helps to make the walls and paths clean. All of which makes a home exponentially more enticing to prospective buyers. Power washers can be hired for ease or purchased to ensure a clean house year-round.
Preparing your home to sell
When selling a home, it can be easy to get lost in details like removing interior clutter, replacing broken bathroom tiles and fixing that leaky kitchen tap. However, by neglecting the notion of curb appeal, you could be doing your home a disservice.
Our team at LJ Hooker can assist you in your selling journey from beginning to end. Whether offering tips on increasing curb appeal or ways to market your home, we help make the selling process as smooth as possible. So begin your journey today with a free property appraisal.
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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