First impressions count when it comes to placing your home on the market.
When preparing for sale, it’s best to maximise a home’s exterior by making it as attractive and inviting as possible, property experts and designers advise.
“It is known as kerb appeal and it is even more vital than spending time and effort improving and styling the interior for sale,” says , says REIV CEO Enzo Raimondo. “After all, no one is going to appreciate your fabulous interior if they don’t go in the front door.”
Mr Raimondo says a critical review of your home is vital as sales and buyer’s agents regularly walked or drove along streets to see what their clients were keen to buy.
“Take a cold hard look at your house, from the front and the back,” he says. “Imagine you have spotted this house online and are checking it out before contacting the agent – or not.”
Viewing your own home at night is also necessary, as it allows you to see what does and doesn’t look good after dark.
“Many buyers will do this,” he says. “As with the interior, buyers must be able to envisage themselves living here. So don’t make it too personal – lose some of the brightly coloured garden ornaments, for example – nor too cluttered. Many busy buyers favour low maintenance. Remember, most buyers will form their initial judgement based on the online photographs. If your house does not match up to others in the area, they will not view it.”
In reviewing your home, your aim should be to create a “picture perfect exterior that will engage with buyers”. This could involve repairing fences, painting the house, weeding the garden and making repairs to gates and verandahs.
“Work out which you can feasibly improve with your available budget and time,” Mr Raimondo says. “If you’re unsure ask your agent, (about) what may be overcapitalising or unnecessary effort.”
Tips to help your home make a good first impression:
- repair, remove or replace items that have seen better days, such as a dodgy gate latch, missing gate posts, awnings
- mow lawns, remove dead plants, trim edging and add some seasonal colour, especially before photos are taken
- declutter the interior and exterior
- remove ripped or old curtains and a good wash of others will instantly brighten a room
- give paving, verandahs and the facade a good clean to remove cobwebs and dirt
- freshen up paint that is chipped or flaking
- install solar lighting to add some light to paths
- hide the rubbish and recycling bins
- ensure your letterbox is in good working order and looks smart.
