There’s a saying that you only get one chance to make a first impression. It’s especially true when selling your home.
Buyers and their agents make split-second judgments on your property as they arrive, so making sure your home has street appeal is vital.
Here are five ways to wow buyers as they pull up at the front of your home.
1. Finesse your fence
If your property has a fence, give it a good clean and cut back any overhanging trees that make it look messy. Ask yourself, does the fence need painting, do the palings need to be replaced, or are there patches that require new render? Make sure your gate works easily and replace the latch if it sticks.
2. Lead them up the garden path
Cracked, broken or weed-ridden paths can be a real turn off for buyers, so repair and replace. Use a pressure cleaner to wash paths and driveways to remove caked-on grime, grease or mold. You’ll be amazed at the difference.
3. Get gardening
A weed is anything growing in the wrong spot! Now is the time to be ruthless in the garden, cutting back trees and shrubs that have grown in front of windows, or overhang paths. Clip and tidy garden edging. Pull out any struggling plants and replace them with some massed plantings. Create a smart finish by putting down a natural-colored mulch.
4. Create some sparkle
Consider getting a pressure cleaner to give your house a good wash down. This will remove grime and cobwebs and give your home some sparkle. If you have a two-story home and/or a roof with mold or lichen, consider getting the job done professionally.
5. Make an entrance
This can be as simple as giving your front door a fresh coat of paint or putting on a smart new door knob to brighten its appearance. If your front door is visible from the street, consider a bold color to make a statement. Consider, too, adding some planters to dress the entrance. Also, throw out the old doormat and buy a new one.