We all know the importance of good curb appeal. It draws people in off the street and can make your home a bright star in your neighbourhood. But what about when you live in a flashy area, or are struggling to get traction during the sales process, even with what you think is curb appeal maxed out to the limit?
Not everyone can find instant success with the standard moves for improving a home's curb appeal, so here we have compiled some more unorthodox method that might get people talking about, coming to see and laying bids on your home for sale.
1. Water blast
Without spending too much money, hiring a water blaster is a great way to clean concrete areas of the front of your home. Sealing and hosing is well, but if you have been living there for quite a while, grime can build up a great deal.
A water blaser will brighten a grimy driveway significantly more than regular hosing, by blasting away layers of grime. Just remember to check the saftey manual before you turn it on. Then have a go, and watch your driveway gleam.
2. A paint refresh
If you want a quick fix to grab attention, a brand new paint job will not go astray. But think outside the box with the colour you use, and maybe target only one area of the home. For example, the door, or wooden blinds, or event the post for your letterbox - something to grab the eye, but not enough to dominate the view of your home.
Sometimes the wandering eye of a home buyer just needs a little push in the right direction, and adding a tiny touch of bright red can do just that. From there, the eye can wander to the rest of your beautifully laid out property façade and - who knows? - maybe even all the way to sale!
3. Colour creations to attract more buyers
That garden is one place you can have fun with colour but rather than introduce lots of different colours into a small garden bed, try sticking to one shade, perhaps using the varying tones. You can add instant colour with pots, and use whatever is in flower from the nursery to fill them.
4. Neat and trim
Just like inside your house, your garden should be neat, tidy and clear of clutter.
Weed your garden and keep the lawn trimmed when opening you home for inspection. Consider your plants - remove dead plants and replace with new specimens, but make sure they suit the conditions in your garden: you do not want them to die before you sell.
5. Styling your garden
You can give your garden a simple makeover before you sell by adding defining borders to your flower beds and adding a focal point. Timber borders are popular, or you can outline your beds with small shrubs or grasses. Add a few larger plants as focal points but keep them in proportion to the size of you garden.
6. Creating a courtyard
Many houses today, particularly in the inner city, do not have large gardens. Often there is only a small courtyard so it is important to maximise this space. The first step may be to create a focal point like a water feature, statue or urn. This should be placed at the furthest point from the entrance so your buyers vision is drawn a distance, giving a sense of space.
You can also give an illusion of space by paving the entire area with large pavers (500x500mm) to make the ground look wider and less busy, Do not use any dark colours in your courtyard structures as these reduce the perception of space.
7. Trim and slim the trees
It is a strenuous job, but those loose tree branches can be hazardous, especially with kids running around in the summer. Any low-hanging branches or parts that are blocking sunlight you want on your home should be cut back, but check with neighbours and local councils if they reach over a fence - you may need to get a permit!
8. Mulch mulch mulch
A great way to refresh plant beds and border your lawn with a bit of colour is to add some mulch. You can pick up many varieties at local garden stores and dispense it as you see fit. A nice shade to contrast with your green grass can make for a real eye-catcher for anyone who glimpses your lawn.
9. Add interest to your doorway
If you have sufficient space, place a range of matching terracotta pots with plants against the wall near your entrance. For the average sized doorway use the pots with a rolled rim containing colourful flowers, like geraniums, will give a traditional welcome feeling. For more modern homes tall angular pots that taper downwards are very popular - add architectural plants like succulents for a dramatic effect.
10. Keep it balanced
Try and keep everything symmetrical, If you are using pots and plants to add interest. put one either side of the entrance or you might like to hang two matching lanterns for a warm glow. The trick is to keep it simple and not clutter the space. This is an easy way to add character to your home without breaking the bank or distracting from other prominent features.
11. Step inside and see the light
Often hallways are narrow and dark. If you house suffer from this problem, try painting the walls white to lighten things up, or add a sky light. By adding more natural light it can increase the sense of space and comfort throughout your home. A broad runner will make a hallway seem wider.
12. Shabby doors need to be spruced up
Your front door is the first thing your buyers sees. If it needs a lick of paint, get out the brush! You might also consider a new handle or knocker - this is an inexpensive way to update your door.
13. Pave the way to a successful sale.
Guide buyers to your door with a paved pathway. Plain white pavers look terrific against a green lawn. If the steps to your front door look a little shabby, a great trick is to tile the step rises rather than ripping everything out and starting from scratch.
14. Maintain your privacy
In many areas, especially the inner city, security and privacy are selling points, so a low to medium wall at the front of your house can appeal to buyers. Do not forget to check with your local council to ensure all building regulations are met.
Preparing the outside of your home is just one aspect of getting ready to sell, which is why the team of experts at LJ Hooker is here to help make sure your property is looking its best on inspection day.
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