Improve your Kerb Appeal !

We all know we should never judge a book by it’s cover, but the same’s not quite true when it comes to buying or selling houses. Every one of us is guilty of making an immediate assessment on the suitability of a potential new home, and often that’s made before we’ve stepped through the front door.

As the housing market starts to hot up as Easter approaches, how can you make the most of your current home, if you’re looking to make a sale this month? Check out our top five tips for improving kerb appeal, and let us know how you get on.

#1 – Paint your front door

If you’re looking to sell, the it’s true you’re not going to want to spend a fortune on sprucing your house up; however, painting your front door is a great way to make it look clean and tidy. The door is one place you can really experiment with colour, and help your house stand out, so why not try experimenting with bright and bold colours such as cerise pink, or the trusted red? If you’re not looking to stand out, then a great black gloss never loses its appeal.

While you’re at it, why not consider buying some new door furniture such as heavy Victorian door knockers, or a good quality letter box? Don’t forget to make sure that your doorbell is working, too.

#2 – Create an entrance

Think about how people are going enter your property. Some homes are blessed with elegant driveways, whilst others merely sit on the side of the pavement. Whatever your situation is, you always have the chance to add a personal, welcoming touch. Consider adding a gate to help create a barrier between you and the traffic outside, add pot plants where you can or other bits of colour. Make sure, if you don’t have the time, that you’re not adding anything time consuming that needs your regular attention. Keep it simple, and well maintained.

#3 – Clean your windows

Dirty windows can make a house look old and depressing, so make sure you keep on top of them no matter the time of year. Not only is it important you keep the glazing clean, but keep an eye on the frames as well. It might be a simple case of ensuring they’re wiped over every so often to remove the dirt and grime, or you might want to consider giving them a lick of paint (especially before photos are taken).

#4 – Tidy up

Over time it’s easy for clutter to appear on the approach to a house. Rubbish can blow in off the street, and whilst you have your hands full with your own shopping, or ferrying the kids around, it’s vital you pick these little scraps up before they accumulate. Don’t let toys, leaves or any other litter clutter the entrance to your home – people will always pick up on this, no matter how minor it might seem to you.

#5 – Replace the guttering

Guttering is never going to be the most aesthetically pleasing aspect of the front of your house, but it is an important part. If you have to have it there, it might as well look good. You might be able to get away with giving it a good clean, and ensuring it’s free from debris (so you have no unsightly overflows), or it may need to be replaced to ensure it is still up to the job.