As real estate sales professionals we can vouch for the popular saying that first impressions count. It really is true that if you haven’t got a buyer’s interest from the roadside, you’ve all but lost them. Many buyers do a drive-by before they will express interest in an inspection or come to the Open Home.
Not only is roadside appeal important for grabbing the attention of buyers, it can also increase your property’s value, sometimes substantially.
Here are 10 ways to improve your home’s street appeal.
1. A coat of paint
A freshly painted facade will give your home an instant lift. If you have a brick home, you could consider painting the brick for a fresh, modern update (if the style lends itself to that look).
2. Consider the view through your front windows
Unless your front garden is filled with established shrubs that block the view to your front windows, ensure that the view on the inside is just as neat and tidy as the view of the exterior of your home. Matching quality window treatments on front windows create instant appeal and a sense of cohesiveness from the street.
3. Update your letterbox and ensure your house number is clearly visible
Many people overlook the small details. A new or freshly painted letterbox also adds to the roadside appeal. And making sure your house number is clear is crucial. After all, you need people to be able to find your home when they drive by!
4. Your front garden
There’s no point sprucing up the front of your home if the front garden looks neglected. Weed the gardens, mow the lawn and consider planting some new plants (perhaps flowering shrubs now that spring is nearly here) for a fresh inviting look.
5. Give your front fence some love (if you have one)
Like the mailbox, the front fence is another often overlooked feature. Take an objective look at your front fence and decide if it needs a fresh coat of paint or if it needs to be removed or replaced. Ensure the fence matches the theme of the rest of your home.
6. The front door
Don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful front door. It can really add instant WOW factor to a home. Consider painting your front door in a shade that matches the theme of the home, replacing the door hardware or framing your front door with attractive pots and some greenery.
7. Attend to the roof
The roof is often overlooked, as we tend not to notice it from up close. Walk across the street and take a look at your roof from there. Consider getting it pressure cleaned and ensure the gutters are in good repair and clear of leaves and branches etc. You may even decide to have an old tiled roof re-painted.
8. Wash the windows
Sparkling clean windows are an instant indication that a home is well looked after.
9. Remove or hide eyesores around the home
From garbage bins and trailers to gardening equipment and bikes, ensure practical items you may normally have lying around the home are hidden out of sight when your home is on the market for sale.
10. Light it up
Potential buyers don’t only drive by a property of interest during the day. They will commonly do so after work when it may be dark or approaching darkness. Ensure existing exterior lights are in good working order. If you don’t have any lights outside look at options like solar-powered lights or a sensor light. A well-lit property will create an inviting ambience and a feeling of safety. It will also allow potential buyers to see your property, no matter what time they drive by.