Curb appeal – appearance is key!

It’s what’s inside that counts, right? Wrong! People really do judge a book by its cover and the exterior of your property is essential in creating a positive first impression with the buyer.

Consider your front yard; when was the last time the grass was mowed? Are the garden beds looking a little unkempt? What are the chances someone would trip over a kid’s bike in the driveway? Have the painted weatherboards seen better days?

Don’t panic! Beautifying the exterior of the house is really the low hanging fruit of the selling process. Every property can look a lot better with relatively little cost. Remember that the outside will set the tone for the rest of the house. Touch-ups to the exterior should be done before you consider listing the home for sale (before the photographer arrives!)

Key Point: Keep in mind that as soon as it appears online, potential buyers will drive past your property at random times, considering whether it’s worth a look-in. This means that you need to keep the front tidy throughout the entire selling process.

Touch-ups can be simple things:

  • $ De-cluttering garden beds $ Refreshing the mulch or chip bark $ Replacing front door handles or broken door bells $ Refreshing paint
  • $ Removing visible cobwebs and dust $ Cleaning exterior windows

Check the lights at the front of the house; replace any broken or tired fixtures, and buy a new doormat. The garden should look neat and healthy – garden beds should be free from weeds or leaf litter, and the lawn should be full and trimmed. If you have some time up your sleeve and plan to sell in spring, you might even plant some bulbs – colorful flowerbeds add immense value in the aesthetic of the exterior.

These relatively simple steps can make a big difference in a competitive market, and help you achieve the maximum sale price for your property.

Important: When thinking about selling you home, this is the best time to speak to a mortgage broker about your home loan options. It is highly likely that you will get a better loan by using a mortgage broker to assess thousands of loan options for you, than just talking to your existing lender.