8 ways to create sidewalk appeal

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. 

As your agent, I have seen many buyers set their hearts on a property from the moment they see it – love at first sight!

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 colors, 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 colors 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 eight tips to create sidewalk sparkle.

  1. 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.
  2. 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 colors 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.
  3. Invest in a good handle. Buyers will respond positively to a door with a quality door handle. Your choices should match the style and color of the door. If you have a period home, find furniture that is original or authentic. Keep them well polished.
  4. 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 numbering.
  5. 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 color co-ordinate the gate, fence and front door to create a compelling combination.
  6. Create an interesting path. You can add quality and texture to a buyer’s path to the front door, perhaps using fresh pavers.
  7. 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.
  8. Light up the garden. Another winner is night lighting. Obviously no one will see it unless they visit your home after dark, so ask your agent to arrange photography of the house in the evening so prospective buyers can appreciate this asset.
  9. 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 cobwebs!