While the old saying tells us not to judge a book by its cover, many of us do judge a house by the way it looks from the outside. A considerable number of potential home buyers deciding whether they are going to book a viewing for a house based on its curb appeal – how the house looks outside from the street. It is probably not going to add any extra value to your home, but it will draw people in to view. It is a reflection of how well maintained the rest of the house is – if the outside looks a mess, it signifies to the viewer that the interior is a mess as well. If you are trying to sell your house, it is essential to make sure that you spend time tidying up the exterior of your home.
The first thing that you need to do is to work out what needs improving. Next time you drive or walk up to your house, take an objective look at it and write down anything that needs improving. Remember, first impressions have a huge impact!
If you can, take photos from various angles. Look at them as if you were buying the house and think about what might put you off from wanting to take a look. Don’t forget to look at it again in the evening, as things can look very different in different lights.
One of the first jobs to do is to tackle any paintwork. Dull or flaking paintwork can be an immediate turn-off, and it is something that you can sort quickly and cheaply. Paint the front door, your window ledges and any other painted areas in a fresh, glossy color. While bright colors such as pink and yellow are very much on-trend at the moment, it is vital to check that they are in keeping with the feel of your house and the rest of your street and neighborhood. Sometimes, classic colors such as deep greens and reds can look smart.
If your doors and windows are old and tatty, it might be time to invest in some new ones. Replacement windows may seem to be expensive, but it will help to increase the value of your house as well as improve the security, which is a huge selling point.
Now you need to look at the approach to your front door. Trim back any bushes and tidy any borders and pull up any weeds growing in cracks in the path. Replace any broken paving stones, and give it a good sweep. Get a professional in to jetwash it and remove any ingrained dirt, mold, and mildew.
Finally, add some greenery, whatever size or style your home. Houses look beautiful with creepers and trailing plants, although it is essential to keep them tidy and under control and to make sure they do not affect the structural integrity of the property. Plastic window boxes with green plants look great and are relatively cheap and low maintenance, as are topiary features places symmetrically either side of the front door.
