We all know how important first impressions can be and this is certainly true when it comes to putting up a house for sale.
The initial impression of a property and its surrounding area can have a huge impact on potential buyers.
This initial impression is also known as the property’s ‘kerb appeal’ and having a strong kerb appeal can make your house a much more attractive option for buyers.
What is kerb appeal and why does it matter?
Kerb appeal is important as it can be a decisive factor for potential buyers. According to the HomeOwners Alliance, 68% of all buyers say that they are swayed by their initial impression and that it has a lasting effect on their perception of a property.
Even if you aren’t looking to sell your property immediately, giving the exterior of your house a tidy up or redesign can make it feel more homely and add a more welcoming presence to any visitors or passers-by. It will also save you a job for when you decide to put your property on the market, as kerb appeal can have a significant impact on potential buyers.
Ways to improve kerb appeal
Revamp the front door
The front door of your home is the main focal point as your potential buyer approaches the property, so you need it to look appealing. A damaged front door or one that is in a poor state will likely be an instant red flag for buyers and could put them in a negative mindset for the rest of viewing.
Giving your front door a fresh coat of paint or putting in a completely new one can help to bring your property to life. With a nice-looking entrance point, buyers are more likely to have a positive first impression and be more inclined to keep that perception throughout the rest of the viewing.
Give driveways and patios some attention
As driveways and patios will likely be part of the first area people pass through, it’s important that they are maintained and kept looking good. Paths, driveways and patios can get grubby over time, so they need to be cleaned every once in a while. For larger areas, it’s a good idea to use a pressure washer to clean off any dirt or grubbiness, whereas for smaller areas, you can use a scrubbing brush and warm soapy water.
Hide the rubbish bins
Of course, every household needs bins, but it can’t be denied that they aren’t exactly appealing. If you don’t have anywhere to store your bins, it could be worth building or purchasing a bin shed to store them in.
Make pathways tidier
Similarly to driveways and patios, it’s important that pathways around the outside of your house are maintained and kept in a good condition. You easily can give pathways a clean down with a power washer or a scrubbing brush and hot water. You should also make sure that your pathways are free of potholes or bumps, so it’s accessible for people in wheelchairs as well as families with pushchairs.
Improve exterior paintwork
If the exterior of your house is looking worn or damaged, it is highly recommended that you give it a new coat of paint. A freshly painted house can improve its aesthetic and therefore its kerb appeal ten-fold. Touching up the exteriors of window frames with a new coat of paint can also add a bit extra to your home and leave it looking pristine from the outside.
Fix broken gutters, gates and fences
Damaged gutters, unhinged gates and broken fences are all likely to give off a negative perception to any potential buyer, so it’s essential that these details are fixed. Taking a weekend to fix these problems yourself can make your home look more presentable whilst also adding additional security for your property.
Clean windows
This is a simple job you can do which will make the exterior of your home look much cleaner. You can either give it a go yourself or hire professional window cleaners to go over all your windows thoroughly, but either way, having fresh shining windows will add more kerb appeal to the exterior of your house.
Keep on top of vegetation and lawns
Overgrowing vegetation can leave your garden looking untidy so giving any bushes, vegetation and grass a cut can leave your outdoor space looking more presentable. Trimming any tall bushes or trees you may have will also allow more light into your garden which is more welcoming to any potential buyers you have that are coming to view the property.
Refresh gravelled areas
Gravelled areas can easily be diminished over time and can be left looking bare or unfinished. Adding in some new gravel to paths or driveways can add a more finished look to your outdoor area. Using a garden rake to even out the gravel and get rid of any bumps or holes can make easy work of the job.
