If you are looking to sell your home, improving the aesthetic of your home from the outside can be easy to do and make a big difference.
The Basics
Simple things such as making sure any street-facing windows are sparkling clean before a viewing and polishing the front door handle and letter box will make a good impression. You could also consider giving the front door a new lease of life by giving it a coat of paint or even consider changing the colour of the door. Either opt for a modern pastel shade or a traditional deep rich colour, depending on the age and style of your property.
Front Garden/Driveway
If you have a drive or front garden, make sure this is tidy and well kept and choose plants that are easy to keep and look good all year around. Driveways should be swept and, if necessary, cleaned with a power jet wash.
Trim back any bushes, and if you have window boxes or hanging baskets, make sure they are either in full bloom or not on display. A basket filled with dead flowers and weeds looks lazy and gives the impression that a home isn’t well looked after.
Environmentally Friendly
Everyone is looking for ways to live greener, and showing that you have made efforts to be energy-efficient will impress prospective buyers and add value to your home. For example, double-glazing your windows can increase the asking price by up to 10%. This will also save you money on heating bills. Similarly, solar panels and solar-powered lighting on the driveway can impress.
When looking to sell or buy a home, it is a good idea to appoint the best conveyancing solicitors you can, such as Sam Conveyancing.
Rubbish
Although this may seem obvious, if you have prospective buyers coming to look at your home, don’t leave your household rubbish in full view and make sure any bottles or recycling items are stored neatly or, even better, taken to the bottle bank in advance. Check the street for any rubbish which may have blown out of nearby bins, and if you have a gate, check it opens and closes properly. Also give your front step a sweep and a clean.
Props
Finally, if you are keen to sell, use a few props to give your home additional appeal. A family car will attract buyers with young children or a bike on display will demonstrate the area is good for cycling, for example.
No matter how nice your home is on the inside, first impressions count, and by making these small changes, your home will look brighter and more welcoming.