How To Improve The Street Appeal Of Your Property

Street appeal is the x-factor that can have would-be buyers fall instantly in love with your property. But it’s not a mystical thing. Rather, it’s a proven strategy of ensuring the front of your home is so appealing that it stops people in their tracks and musters up feelings of instant attachment.

Essentially street appeal can be the difference between a would-be buyer inspecting your property or walking away. From garden improvements to replacing an old front door, your agent will be able to guide you through the must-do tasks before your property hits the market.

The front garden should not only be neat and tidy, but eye-catching. A well-cared garden will impact buyers differently. Some will connect and love the plants, some will see areas that their children can play in, while others will see a lot of hard work. Vendors should try and showcase the versatility of their garden “from spaces to entertain friends and family, to the rewards of a vegetable garden, or a beautiful lawn for the kids to play on. The key tasks are to: prune hedges and trees – this is particularly important if overgrown trees are limiting light into the house; mow the lawns; trim garden and path edges; high-pressure clean concrete or paved areas; and ensure there is a clear, safe pathway through to the front door. If you have time to regenerate some tired looking beds, go with some seasonal highlights.  The sight and sound of a bubbling water fountain can also add a magical touch to a garden.

Once your property hits the market, you can expect a stream of would-be buyers driving by before deciding to inspect it. And this is where some beautiful lighting can be an advantage. Installing solar powered lights along a garden path, or positioning lights under a beautiful tree, will illuminate both the garden and the façade of the house.  And leaving the outdoor lights on at night will provide an inviting feel.

If there is any sign that the front fence is ageing or unstable, it should be replaced. But if it’s simply looking tired, a coat of paint can give it a sufficient lift. Be sure to tie the fence in with the colour themes and style of the house. A quant picket fence will look out of place in a modern streetscape, as will a big brick fence that hides away a character home.  If your property doesn’t have a fence, consider adding one.  It can add character, a sense of security, and create a more functional front yard.

Who would have thought that a little old letterbox could distract from a property’s street appeal. So, it’s a simple fix – either paint or replace a letterbox that is looking like it’s falling to pieces; and ensure it carries a street number so prospective buyers can find the property easily.

Interior designers are big on making a statement with the front door. They advise renovators to look at the door as a taste of what’s to come inside. Look into either painting a door, adding a unique door handle or knocker, or adding personality to use the front porch with good lighting and a pot with some greenery. At a minimum, if you have been putting up with a front door lock that doesn’t work properly, or a door that sticks when you try to open it, these fix-it talks should be on your pre-selling list. You should also remove any screen doors that look worse for wear; and consider replacing a front door that is worn, scratched or damaged in any way.

The façade of a property can be immediately lifted with a new coat of paint; and the impact of a freshly painted house on would-be buyers, is worth the cost of a professional painter.  Once the window frames are repainted, they need to remain cobweb-free and sparkling clean throughout the selling period. Any deteriorating flyscreens should also be replaced.

If from the outside of the property, the garage door is a dominant feature and detracts from the overall look of the house, it can be repainted or upgraded.  It’s all a part of the dressing-up and improvement of the property’s street appeal.

Would-be vendors should consider the appeal of a property “as an overall package”. You need to think about the impression a property gives from the moment someone pulls up – from the entry gate, to the façade, to the front door and gardens. There’s no point having an amazing kitchen if the rest of your home doesn’t look good.

An investment of $5,000 – $10,000 on refreshing your home, could mean an extra $50,000 in your pocket. Our team works in conjunction with Realty Assist who provide funds to vendors – Curious to know more, contact our team today!