Getting your property in tip-top shape before selling can make it more appealing to potential buyers.
An expert shared seven things to do – including some free tricks – that could make buyers put in a higher offer.
In fact following the tips could add up to 10 per cent to the value of your home, according to senior sales executive at Canopy Superstore Emily West.
With the average property costing £266,094, according to the Nationwide House Price Index released this week, this could mean an increase in value of £26,000.
Plants can make a house more homely
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Emily said: “A home with curb appeal should look smart, well cared for and inviting, making anyone approaching want to have a closer look inside. Having strong curb appeal also has the ability to increase the value of your home by as much as 10 per cent come resale time, so it’s definitely worth paying attention to.
“So how can you maximise your home’s curb appeal if you’re looking to sell? Here are my seven top tips for boosting your curb appeal to not only make your home the envy of the street, but also boost the value of your home.”
Give the exterior a deep clean
Cleaning is a free, but important, task to do before viewings. The expert explained: “The front of your home, particularly the driveway and sidewalk, will benefit from a powerful jet wash and a good tidy up to make it look more attractive, especially to prospective buyers.
“Pull out any weeds from around the porch, driveway or any paths and scrub any moss, mould, dirt or anything else that shouldn’t be on the wall or door. That includes the glass in windows and doors as well as any frames. This not only helps them look better, but lets in more light too.
“If you have any bushes or plants in your front garden, then remember to keep them neat and tidy too. Keep the lawn short and consider feeding it so it’s always looking its best. As the leaves start to fall, you’ll want to keep on top of sweeping to keep leaves from piling up or rotting down and spoiling the lawn.”
Add some colour with flowers and plants
This is a simple way to make the house feel more homely and help potential buyers see themselves living there.
Emily continued: “Adding some plants or flowers – whether in a flower bed around your lawn, in planters, or in pots by the door – can help your home look more attractive and inviting. Plus they help brighten the space up too.
“So place potted flowers or shrubs on your doorstep, fill beds with flowers, or consider adding a hanging basket. All these options will welcome people into your home and make it look beautiful.”
Store your garbage away from view
“Nothing ruins the curb appeal of a home more than overflowing trash cans,” the expert continued.
“Try and keep them out of sight if you can, either in the back garden or in a garage. You can even buy nice storage solutions for trash cans to hide them away and keep your home looking presentable. This not only increases your curb appeal but also keeps them away from pests.”
Invest in a door canopy
She added: “A front door canopy provides additional cover and protection, usually by sitting above your door and featuring an overhang which protects the front of a building and those standing underneath them. This, depending on the size, can offer beneficial shelter against the elements.
Think of it like an umbrella for your front door. Not only will a canopy keep your door protected, but they look great too and improve the overall aesthetics of your property making a statement and adding character whether heritage or modern.
“They come in a range of sizes and materials and can even come with LED lighting for added security and convenience as the days get darker.”
Freshen up with paint
Painting does not take long but makes a property feel more finished to house viewers. Emily said: “Your front door is one of the first things anyone will see of your home, so it needs to make a good impression.
“If you can, giving it a lick of paint can help freshen it up and appear more welcoming and suggests that the rest of the property is as well cared for. It can also help your property stand out from the rest of the street too, but try not to paint it in any garish colours as that will do more harm than good to your curb appeal.
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“If you have a wall or a fence – keeping them in good shape and looking good can have a significant impact on your home’s curb appeal. If you can, give them a fresh lick of paint or wood stain, making sure they’re treated and ready to take on all weather. If you have a metal garden gate, remove any flakey paint or superficial rust with a metal brush and repaint with paint that’s suitable for metal.”
Add some lighting
“A well-lit entrance not only makes people feel safe, especially during fall and winter, but it also helps to create an inviting atmosphere. Consider wall lights on either side of your door or add LED lighting around the frame or to porch steps. If you add a front door canopy, opt for one with built in LED lighting.
“You could even add solar lighting along the path or driveway or motion sensor lights that come on as people walk to the property to help brighten it up. This can also improve your security too, as your home is less likely to be broken into if it is well-lit.”
Decorate your doorstep
First impressions count, so this simple tip could make all the difference, the expert suggested. She said: “Some decoration or little updates to your front doorstep can really help improve your home’s curb appeal. Consider some vinyl or coloured tiles on any porch steps or a decorative knocker to help it look more attractive.
“These can be picked up relatively cheaply in various shops or garden centres and can significantly improve the way your home looks. Something as simple as a new doormat can add that homely touch and boost the curb appeal of any home.”
