Don’t kick it to the kerb

Would you believe that, when looking at a property, you can walk into it with dislike from the outset? This is bad news for home sellers, as how do you meet the visual and emotional needs of every potential buyer who steps over the threshold of your property?

The trick is not as complicated as it may seem. It is called kerb appeal, and there are many elements that you can put into place to create a warm and welcoming feel from the outset; seeing the beauty behind the beast can take a lot of work, and a lot of understanding behind what potential a property holds when all the “cobwebs” are wiped away. But here are some tricks for home owners to keep at heart when looking at upping the kerb appeal of their homes, either to create a positive impression for guests entering their homes, or for potential buyers.

More than the lawn outside

Yes, kerb appeal does refer to more than just the pavement area outside your entrance gates. Kerb appeal can include anything that catches the eye and attention upon viewing and entering the property – from peeling paint on the exterior walls and entrance gates, to roof tiles that haven’t been taken care of, to a badly nurtured garden. Simple things like a new coat of paint, a good mowing of the lawn and trimming of wayward tree branches, and gentle attention to the general outside appearance of your home, can make all the difference.

At first glance

Planting some flowers to add some colour, or freshly varnishing your outdoor furniture and padding it with colourful cushions, inducts a bright and inviting spirit into your outdoor appearance.

Small attentions to detail like replacing your worn letterbox and house number, and spending a little time and money on the space outside your boundary wall, can make a huge difference to how a guest and especially a potential buyer feels when considering visiting your home.

Lighting also plays a vital role in creating a welcoming ambience. Discreet lighting that highlights good points across the property is invaluable, and is a great asset to direct attention to the potential that a home has rather than the existing, often age and lack-of-care-driven, elements.

Security

One of the first things that I look for in a property is its security – what alarms, fencing, security beams, and other invader-preventing measures have been put in place to keep my family safe. Granted, most of these things can be rectified, but they come with a cost and with time – the breadth of which may leave you and your family feeling insecure in your new home. And this is not a good start to a long and loving relationship with a new home.

General cleanliness

When trying to sell your home, potential buyers don’t want to see how the current owners live – they want to be able to envision their own furniture and lifestyle taking up residence there, or see spaces that they can aspire to creating in their own individual ways. So pack the toys away, dust the blinds that rarely see the feather duster, light a few vanilla-scented candles to set off an inviting aroma. A little can go a long way!

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