Top 7 tips on how you can improve your properties value and street appeal
If you are selling your home, the façade and front yard must be inviting and welcoming. For some buyers, it can be the deciding factor on whether they even consider your property or not. After all, if the front of the house is unkempt, what does that say about the rest of it? Here are some tips on how to improve the value and street appeal of your home to help generate buyer interest rather than deter it.
1. You don’t have to break the bank to make an impression
You may be thinking improving the appearance of your home means forking out thousands of dollars however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Subtle changes such as clearing out weedy-looking plants and repainting outdated colours with in-trend ones can make a huge impact.
2. Greenery and landscaping
A growing number of Aussies place great importance on their outdoor spaces, so it’s important to get this right. You may have a lawn area in your front yard, but is it green and lush? If it looks dry, uneven and patchy this can detract from the overall appeal of your property. The good news is, it is a simple and inexpensive fix. You can lay new grass or use seeds to fill patches. Give it plenty of water and time to become established before listing your property for sale. This will make it appear full and well cared for. Plants in your front yard can provide a sense of comfort and privacy. Rather than choosing your plants at random, it’s better to choose a style of garden that you like and select plants to match. For instance, if you love the idea of a tropical garden, pick greenery that will work well to create this look. Before rushing out and buying your plants, you should have a plan in place. Work out whether you need additional soil and where your new plants are to go.
3. Clear out mess
If the front of your house doubles as a storage yard, you will need to sort this out before selling. Obviously, your stuff will go with you when you sell, but some prospective buyers can’t look past this and seeing clutter everywhere can be extremely off-putting. Make sure there is no rubbish lying around, old furniture, or weeds in the gardens. Store your garbage bins out of sight or consider a screening. You can buy them pre made or make one yourself if you are handy with the tools.
4. Update your driveway
A grubby or deteriorating driveway can devalue your home, so it’s worth spending a little money and time improving it. It may only need a good pressure clean to remove oil, dirt etc but if it has seen better days, you may need to get it resurfaced or replaced altogether. If you need to replace your driveway, paving is a cost-friendly and effective way to give your home a contemporary look. Exposed aggregate pavers are a popular choice, and they come in many colours which makes it easy to pair one perfectly with the exterior of your home.
5. Repair or update walkways
Walkways or paths are typically used to gain access to the home. They must be clean and tidy to prevent unnecessary injury. Pull out any weeds that are protruding through the pavers or cracks, pressure clean moss or other nasties from the surface and if there are broken pavers, replace or repair them. If your walkways are uneven and beyond repair, it’s smart to start fresh by laying new pavers down. This way you’ll know they are safe and it’s a great opportunity to create a fresh and more modern look.
6. Freshen up the place with a lick of paint
When you are trying to sell your home, it’s better to stick with neutral palettes rather than bright and mixed tones, as it will appeal to more buyers and make it easier to sell. Your paint finishes matter so, make sure you prepare the area and paint it using the correct technique and equipment for the best results. Bad paint jobs stick out like a sore thumb and can devalue your property. Take the time to research in-trend home colour combinations. If you are not confident doing this and your budget allows, hire a professional painter to take care of it for you.
7. Add texture
Adding texture to your home is a sure-fire way to increase curb appeal at your place. Natural-looking materials such as timber or stone are ideal options. You can update a section of the facade using a new material to create a point of interest and texture in the space. For example, placing stacked stone on an otherwise plain brick letterbox and around the entrance of the home is simple yet highly effective. If you are not an avid handyman, it pays to use a professional to do this for you.
We’ve shared a couple of ways you can improve the appeal of your property and add value. A little effort can pay off in dividends so, if you have the time and a little extra cash to put into it, it’s worthwhile.
Not sure where to start? Here at Bonita Stone, we specialise in stunning stone pavers and would love to help you transform your front yard to bring you the best price come sale day. Contact us today!
