Published: 01/08/2022
Selling your home is a big deal. Once you get it valued the big question a lot of people ask an estate agent is: ‘Can I do anything to increase the value of my property?’ The easy answer is, yes you can!When you sell your home, you make it look its best for photos and videos by thoroughly cleaning the inside, maybe even with the help of a professional cleaner. But what about the outside?
First impressions mean everything when you view a potential new home, it’s the first thing you see when you walk up and if you have a negative view that may stick with you throughout the whole viewing. Now think what that means for those coming to look at YOUR home.
Kerb appeal relates to the desirability of the outside of your home, as it’s the first thing you see when you pull up to the kerb outside it. Increasing it will improve your chances of positive feedback and lead to a sale.
So, what can you do to improve your home’s kerb appeal? First of all, you need to take off the rose-tinted specs and look at your home objectively. What would you think if you pulled up outside of it for a viewing? Would you be impressed, or would you know that it’s a no from the outset?
Research suggests that people will offer significantly less for a property if it has inadequate kerb appeal. But that’s fair, you wouldn’t expect to pay over the odds for a house only to have to spend more to bring it ‘up to scratch.’
Now, this isn’t suggesting that you should complete renovate your house to gain a sale. It’s more little touches to make people gasp when they see it online.
The first image of your home on any property site is usually the front of the house. So, it doesn’t hurt to think about your front door. It could be something as simple as washing and refreshing it, it could be a coat of paint, it could be changing it all together. While you’re there think about accessories. Your door could benefit from a new handle, letterbox, and knocker (matching of course.) Remember, the door sets the precedent for the rest of the home, start things off right.
Sticking with the outside, a fresh coat of paint to the exterior walls, or jet washing the brickwork could inject some life into a tired look. Clean the windows. A dirty window isn’t a good look, so go round the house and polish inside and outside. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference it can make. Oh, and don’t forget the window frames. If they’re wooden you may need to give them a coat of paint – you’ll have some left over from painting the door, ideal.
While you’re thinking about the windows think about what people will see when they look in now that they’re so clear. A potted plant or vase of flowers will add charm and new curtains, or nets will add a nice touch.
Rooves are underappreciated but pull up to a house with missing tiles and you’ll notice it in an instant. The same can be said about driveways, pathways, and garden fences. Make these look immaculate and the kerb appeal of your home will go through the roof (pun intended.)
You could go on and on, thinking about gutters, bins, mowing the front garden and so much more, but all of these small things can make a big difference, adding more value to your home and ultimately leading to a faster, more profitable sale.
At the end of the day, that’s what you’re looking for, right?