first impressions count

THE FIRST IMPRESSION of your home often plays a decisive role for potential buyers, with many forming their opinions within minutes of arrival. This underscores the importance of not overlooking kerb appeal—the visual attractiveness of your home from the street. The exterior sets the tone for what awaits beyond the front door and significantly influences buyers' perceptions.

Whether you're preparing to list your home or it's been on the market for a while, reviewing our checklist and identifying potential enhancements to boost kerb appeal can make a significant difference. Here are some tips to enhance your home's kerb appeal for potential buyers:

1. Refurbish your front door: The front door is a focal point for buyers. Consider repainting it in classic colours like navy, olive green, or charcoal grey for wooden doors. Clean plastic or composite doors with specialist products, and polish metal letterboxes, house numbers, and door-knockers.
2. Check the doorbell: Ensure your doorbell works properly and consider replacing it if needed. There are plenty of affordable wire-free options available.
3. Clean the windows: Professional window cleaning services can enhance your home's appearance. Also, clean window frames to make a significant difference.
4. Clean driveways and patios: A powerful jet wash can make paved or concrete driveways and paths look new. Keep patios, decking, and rendered surfaces clean by removing moss, dirt, and weeds.
5. Plant up the front garden: A well-maintained garden with colourful plants adds a welcoming touch. Potted flowers on your doorstep or hanging baskets look inviting. Keep the grass short and well-fed if there's a lawn.
6. Consider exterior lighting: Well-lit entrances feel safe and welcoming. Adding matching wall lights near your front door can enhance the appeal.
7. Repaint external walls: Just like the interior, the exterior of your house benefits from a fresh coat of paint. A jet wash can freshen up brick homes.
8. Enhance boundary lines: Clear and appealing property boundaries contribute to kerb appeal. Wooden fences and gates may need a fresh coat of varnish, while metalwork may require repainting. Keep hedges trimmed and neat.
9. Hide the bins: Tidy up wheelie bins and recycling cartons and place them in a suitable location or consider getting a shed to house them.
10. Sweep your street: While it's the council's responsibility, picking up rubbish near your front garden can make a good impression. Consider sweeping leaves and giving the pavement a jet wash.

Remember, your home's exterior serves as a preview of what lies within. Try to see it from the perspective of a visitor or potential buyer to make the most impactful improvements.