Did you know you only have 8 seconds before a potential buyer decides they’re interested in viewing your home? That’s less time than it takes to boil the kettle for a cup of tea....
But as Haylie Pretorius comments in an article for Domain “It’s a sad reality that if your home doesn’t entice buyers through the front door, you’re probably not going to sell it.”
Unfortunately she’s right, which is why making a positive first impression on your potential buyers is sooooo important (and #1 on our list of ways to spruce up your home).
Follow these 5 curb appeal ideas and get the buyers (and the price) your home deserves!
1. Clean Up
Even if you don’t have time to do anything else, make cleaning up your front yard, clearing out clutter and mowing the lawn a top priority.
Potential buyers may be able to forgive a lack of landscaping and an uninspiring front entrance, but long grass, rubbish and miscellaneous appliances strewn on the lawn will encourage them to walk right by.
2. Focus on the fence
Give buyers a positive first impression and show that your home is well-maintained and cared for. If you don’t have much time after cleaning up, focus on power washing, repairing and repainting the front fence.
A broken fence with peeling paint can be an instant deterrent, but good fencing provides security, shelter from the elements, privacy from the neighbours and reduces street noise.
Most importantly it can increase your property’s overall perceived value in the eyes of a potential buyer.
3. Cheap landscaping
If you have an extra weekend up your sleeve, gather your friends for an afternoon of edging lawns, weeding, mulching, pruning and generally tidying up plants and trees around your house.
But don’t chop down any trees on your verge, Perth-based researchers have found that a broad leafed tree in front of a home increases median house prices by nearly $17,000. Greenery around the front of your house also boosts street appeal, and provides privacy and noise control.
According to professional landscapers you should think cheap but functional when it comes to any kind of landscaping - spending just $1,500 can add a whopping $15,000 to your property value.
4. Front door facelift
It’s an often overlooked feature when selling a home, but a fantastic front door can give your home some serious curb appeal.
Get yours looking shipshape by giving it a wash for starters and polishing the door handle and the knocker. Those with a wooden door should also consider giving it a coat of paint. This is a cheap home improvement that gives you bang for your buck. But be sure to choose the right colour.
Make it easy for viewers to find the way to your front door from the street. If it’s not straightforward, consider adding an attractive gravel or paved pathway.
5. Add lighting
Don’t forget that buyers will do evening drive bys to decide if your home is worth further investigation. If you don’t have good lighting then you run the risk of being crossed off their list.
Invest in some affordable solar powered outdoor lighting or a front door lamp to add some after-dark charm.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading these simple ways to boost curb appeal on a budget. If you’re interested in further ways to add value to your home fill out our renovation quiz and our expert team will show you the best areas to focus your budget.
