There are no second chances when it comes to making a first impression – that’s why street appeal is so important.
A fantastic first impression on a buyer will shape everything else that follows.
Properties with a front garden have a wonderful chance to capture a buyer’s imagination with a well-kempt lawn, flowerbeds of bright and varied colours, and a trimmed hedge.
An array of pots, planter boxes and hanging baskets provide owners of terraced homes with a similar opportunity to show off natural colours and beauty before buyers walk into their home.
Do not underestimate the impact of front doors and letterboxes. These are also critical to making a strong impression when you open your home to buyers.
Here are some tips to create curb-side sparkle.
Consider a new door. If the old one is tired or not in fashion, take the plunge and offer a fresh face to your home. The style you choose should match the period of the home and its interior, otherwise your efforts may backfire. There’s no harm in getting a new lock to enhance security.
Paint your front door. If the door is in good shape, be brave and give it a bright colour with gloss paint. This is especially effective for houses facing on to the street. A paint-job will update the look of your home. Keep a small tin of the paint handy to cover over any scratches or blemishes while the house is on the market. If you can’t face a bright front door, then opt for darker colours such as plum, even black. They’re classical, so you won’t go wrong. In this scenario, let the quality door furnishings do all the work.
Invest in a good knocker. Buyers will respond positively to a door with quality furniture, such as a door-knocker, bell, door-knob and letterbox. A fancy-looking handle can be an interesting addition, too, but don’t make the door too busy. Your choices should match the style and colour of the door. If you have a period home, find furniture that is original or authentic. Keep them well polished.
Don’t discount the number. A beautiful number on a front door, or at the entry gate, can set the tone for a buyer’s walk-through. Don’t be afraid to take an original, artistic approach. But if that’s not your speciality, opt for clear, classical numbering.
Brush up the fence. Timber and iron fences benefit from a coat of paint that provides a fresh look. A quality gate that is painted and opens easily without a squeak is a positive message. Consider how you might colour-co-ordinate the gate, fence and front door to create a compelling combination.
Create an interesting path. You can add quality and texture to a buyer’s path to the front door, perhaps using fresh sandstone pavers, or their faux counterparts, which are relatively inexpensive.
Go for greenery. Make the most of your front garden. Mow the lawn, trim the hedge and use flowering plants to create colour and depth. In a terrace, pots and planter boxes are your ally. Just a few dollars spent on annuals will make an incredible difference. Consider growing a vine to soften the edges of the home.
Light up the garden. This is another winner but often impossible to exploit during open house times. So ask your agent to arrange photography of the house in the evening so prospective buyers can appreciate this asset.
Light up the entry. Buyers will inevitably see the outside light. Invest in a light in the style of your home to offer the very best impression. If you keep the old one, clean off the spider webs!