What do you think a quick glance at your property tells passers-by about you and your home? Several surveys have revealed that it takes a potential buyer as little as eight seconds to decide whether or not they like a property, and only eight minutes to make a decision on whether or not to put in an offer.
So what are the sort of measures you can take to ensure that the impression your home makes is a lasting one. Irrespective of whether you are looking to improve the future kerb appeal of your property or are preparing to sell, here are a few ideas of how you can make your property stand out from the crowd.
Repaint Your Front Door
Having an attractive front door can help deflect attention from blemishes elsewhere as well as attracting attention from passers-by. If you are looking to create a striking look go for a bright colour and use a shiny gloss paint. Bright blues and plums are in vogue at the moment.
If you are looking for a retro chic appearance colours such as dove grey, and sage perfectly fit the bill. It is always advisable to try and keep strictly to period detail wherever possible. Victorian homes tend to be more suited to jet black, deep red or olive green front doors.
If DIY is not your thing, employ the services of a professional as a poorly finished front door is as bad as a tired worn looking one.
Replace Your Windows
There is nothing that lets down the look of a house more than dirty and rotten window frames, as they will have a negative effect on the aesthetic appeal of your home. By opting for new windows and matching them to existing exterior décor and period features you can significantly enhance the look of any property.
Once your new windows have been installed, take time to ensure they are always kept clean. Sparkling windows make a house look well cared for as well as helping with the flow of natural light into your home.
Change Your Door Furniture
When you look at your front door on a daily basis it is easy not to notice things like a tarnished door handle, battered letter box and paint covered door knocker. However, you can put money on the fact that any visitors will.
By swapping your existing door furniture for new period correct replacements can’t help but enhance the kerb appeal of your property. When replacing fittings always go for good quality ones as cheap door furniture stands out like a sore thumb.
Outdoor Lighting
Always try and ensure your front door is illuminated, preferably with lights either side to give a sense of symmetry. A lantern is one of the best ways of lighting any entrance. If your home doesn’t currently have any outdoor lighting, it is worth considering having some installed by a professional. Alternatively wall mounted solar lights are an extremely good option.
Are visitors required to access your home through a front garden? If so properly working lights are essential to help them find their way to your front door, especially during the winter months.
Create a Path
If your home is fronted by a drive or parking space there tends to be nothing to draw peoples attention to your property. This in itself can make even a well presented house look bland and uniform. One way to address this is to create a pathway to your front door.
This doesn’t have to be anything elaborate; you can achieve the look you want by using pots and planters. If you already have a path, but it is not in good condition take time to repair it, and with some thought what was previously a large soulless paved area can be turned into a real feature.
Add Some Plants
Many people think you have to live in a country cottage to have plants and flowers round your front door. This couldn’t be further from the truth, as even a terraced property that fronts onto a main road will benefit from the addition of some greenery.
Even if you don’t have a front garden, things like potted plants, small olive trees, window boxes, planters or hanging baskets can add a natural element and make the entrance to your home an inviting space.
Hide Your Bins
You’ll be amazed how much difference a good clean up can make. Remove clutter and make sure everything is in a sensible place.
The construction of a wheelie bin and recycling storage is a great way of making an unpleasant task a little less onerous! If you don’t have a back garden or garage, invest in a lockable garden storage box.
Whether you are considering selling your home, or just looking to freshen up the look of the outside some of the things outlined above will undoubtedly help.
