They say first impressions are everything, and when it comes to selling your home, creating captivating kerb appeal is the key to attracting potential buyers. The exterior of your property is the first thing people see, and it sets the tone for what they can expect inside. If you’re looking to make your home more appealing to buyers, the team is here to share some top tips for enhancing your property’s kerb appeal.
Landscape Your Front Garden
A well-maintained front garden can be a game-changer when it comes to kerb appeal. Our top tips are:
- Keep your front lawn trimmed
- Make sure your plants are generally well-groomed
- Consider adding some colourful flowers for a vibrant look
- Invest in some potted plants to place near your front door for an inviting touch
- Ensure hedges are maintained
The Home Owners Alliance recently said that your front garden was the third most important factor in kerb appeal for potential buyers.
Clean and Repair the Pathway
The last thing you want is a potential buyer tripping over whilst they approach the front door…
- Make sure your pathway is in top condition
- Pressure wash or dig out any dirt, moss or algae
- Replace any broken paving stones
A clean and inviting path will create a welcoming entry rather than giving potential buyers a bad feeling before they’ve even got to the main house.
Revive Your Front Door
Your front door is a focal point, especially whilst they wait for it to be answered!
- A fresh coat of paint in a complementary colour can breathe new life into your home’s exterior
- Make sure any weatherproofing is neat and tidy
- Remove any old fittings around the door that no longer serve a purpose e.g. disconnected doorbells
- Upgrade the doorknob, handle, and letterbox to give your door a modern and polished look
These small changes can make a significant difference in the overall appearance of your home — remember, this has to be somewhere the potential buyer can imagine happily coming and going through multiple times a day!
Window Dressing
You don’t have to invest in new windows to sell a house, as there are a few things you can do to brighten them up without spending much at all…
- If possible, consider adding shutters or window boxes to your home’s exterior – they can give your property a charming, cottage-like feel and enhance the visual appeal
- Remove any faded old stickers that have made their way into the corners over the years
- Draw curtains neatly and tidy away any clutter on windowsills that doesn’t add to the overall effect
Your potential buyer will be eager to see the interior and understand how much light they are working with so they will likely look through the windows. Make sure that’s a pleasant experience — this was the no 1 point in the HOA survey.
Clean and Tidy Exterior
Unless you are selling a total fixer-upper and the buyer is aware of that, the house itself should look clean and in good condition…
- Clean the outside of your home, including windows
- Repair any cracked or damaged areas
- Consider giving your property a fresh coat of paint if needed
A clean exterior is likely to help prove to the potential buyer that it’s been kept in good condition and therefore is unlikely to need immediate maintenance. It also sets the tone for the interior.
Outdoor Lighting
Depending on the time of day or time of year you are looking to sell, kerb appeal can be affected by lighting…
- Consider strategically placed outdoor lighting
- Try to highlight aspects of your home’s architecture or garden
Outdoor lighting can add an inviting glow at night and makes your property look more appealing after dark. For some, this can also be a purely functional benefit if they need additional lighting, work late, or are concerned with the security of the property.
This can be a way of making a property more inviting in the winter months or for evening viewings.
Clear Away Clutter
This may be obvious, but people are more interested in seeing the property that they’re buying, rather than your possessions…
- Ensure that your front entrance is clutter-free
- Remove any unnecessary items, such as toys or garden equipment, to create a neat and welcoming space
- If you have somewhere to tidy bins away, even temporarily (e.g. inside the garage), this might lead to a better first impression
Personalise the Entrance
We’ve mentioned how sorting out your front door can help with kerb appeal, but there is more you can do!
- Add a welcoming touch by placing a decorative welcome mat
- Certain seasonal decorations might work, if tasteful and appropriate to the time of year (e.g. a wreath)
These small details can make a big difference in making your home feel inviting.
Tidy the Roof and Gutters
An unkempt roof can easily give the impression of neglect from the kerb, since it often makes up a large part of the surface area of your property!
- Clean and repair any leaking gutters, and have them cleared if necessary
- Consider having the roof cleaned if it has a build up of moss
- Replace any cracked or missing roof tiles
Following the tips above can help to get your property looking sale-ready and appealing to a potential buyer.
Free kerb appeal tips from the experts!
Enhancing your property’s kerb appeal is an essential part of selling your home. At Bush & Co, we’re here to provide expert advice and guide you through the entire process, from preparing your property to closing the deal.
With our deep knowledge of the Cambridge property market, and a proven track record, we can help you present your home in the best possible way to attract potential buyers.
Get in touch today, and let’s start the journey to transform your home’s kerb appeal and make it a more attractive and marketable property!
