Selling Your Home Successfully: 10 Ways to Impress Buyers before they walk in the door
If you’re thinking about selling your home in 2024 the Sutherland Shire Real estate market is looking strong but with the additional help by improving street appeal to make your home more attractive so you can aim for top dollar.
When evaluating your front yard, it's essential to adopt a buyer's perspective to truly assess its appeal. Try to envision it as if it were not your own home - would you feel enticed to approach the front door? Often, our attachment and familiarity with our homes can cloud our judgment. To kickstart the transformation of your front yard into a welcoming space, consider the following tips:
1. What Can they see from the street? The fence? A hedge?
If you have a fence, it is important to ensure that it is well-maintained. For wooden fences, regular painting not only enhances their appearance but also protects the wood from weathering and rotting. On the other hand, brick fences should be repointed to prevent moisture penetration and structural damage.
In addition to fences, if you have hedges on your property, keeping them neatly trimmed is key to a well-manicured look. Regular trimming promotes healthy growth, prevents overgrowth, and maintains the shape of the hedge. Proper maintenance of fences and hedges not only enhances the overall appearance of your property but also contributes to its curb appeal and value.
2. The letterbox
If your letterbox is in disrepair, consider purchasing a new one from Bunnings, an outdoor furniture store, or online. It is important to ensure that your house number is clearly visible on the letterbox.
3. The front of your home and facade
Whether your home features painted walls or brick exteriors, ensuring that they look clean and well cared for can greatly enhance its curb appeal. To achieve this, it may be beneficial to hire professionals for pressure cleaning services for both your windows and walls.
Pressure cleaning can effectively remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew, and other build-up that accumulates over time on the surfaces of your home. This process not only improves the overall appearance of your property but also helps in preserving its structural integrity by preventing damage caused by environmental factors. If the cost is a little out of reach consider borrow a pressure cleaner from a friend or hire one, you will ne amazed at how just a clean will brighten them home considerably.
4. Gardens and Pants
Are the gardens and lawns in your front yard looking neat and easy to maintain? If it's starting to resemble a jungle, it could be a good idea to remove the overgrown plants. Prune all excess growth and use mulch wherever possible for the best result. Make sure you apply mulch a few weeks prior to listing your house for sale to avoid giving the impression that you're trying to cover up flaws, and also If you have a lawn, make sure to keep it neatly trimmed and edged while your home is up for sale for the best result.
5. The front door
Your front door serves as the gateway to your home and is of utmost importance. If it appears worn out, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint and ensuring it opens smoothly. Upgrade the doorknobs and consider installing a brass or chrome door knocker if one is not already in place. Maintain the patio or verandah well and place potted trees next to the front door. Opt for soft foliage or rounded succulents over spiky plants for a more welcoming look.
6. Make your entrance Welcoming
During periods of drought, unexpected rainy days can still occur, leading to muddy and dirty interiors. To maintain cleanliness in your home and create a welcoming atmosphere for potential buyers, consider placing a sturdy welcome mat at the entrance. A well-placed welcome mat can not only prevent dirt and mud from being tracked inside but also adds a touch of hospitality to your home's curb appeal. Opt. for a durable and easy-to-clean mat that complements your home's aesthetic, effectively serving its purpose while enhancing the overall visual appeal of your entryway. Remember, first impressions are crucial when showcasing your home to potential buyers, and a simple yet effective addition like a welcome mat can make a significant difference.
7. Lighting
Remember that potential buyers, especially those who live locally, might drive by at any time of the day or night, so it's essential to ensure that your front door is not only well-lit but also aesthetically pleasing. Outdoor lighting not only enhances the curb appeal of your property but also adds a sense of security and welcomes potential buyers.
Consider installing soft, warm lighting fixtures that illuminate the pathway to your front door and highlight key features of your home's exterior, this can be done simply by solar path lights from bunnings. This can create a welcoming ambiance and make your property stand out, especially during evening viewings.
By paying attention to the lighting design of your front door area, you can create a favorable first impression on potential buyers and make your home more inviting and memorable.\
8. Roof and guttering
Often-overlooked aspects like guttering can effect the curb appeal of your home. Old or rusted guttering can detract from the overall aesthetic of your home and leave a negative impression on potential buyers. When it comes to selling your home, buyers take notice of not only the front walls and windows but also the roof and guttering. By replacing old or damaged guttering with new, clean ones, you can instantly improve the exterior appearance of your home and make a positive first impression. Additionally, well-maintained guttering is essential for proper drainage and can help prevent water damage to your property's foundation and landscaping. Investing in new guttering not only enhances the visual appeal of your home but also adds value and ensures its structural integrity for years to come.
9. Driveway
Resurfacing your driveway can not only enhance the curb appeal of your property but also improve its functionality and durability. By filling in those unsightly holes and cracks, you can create a smooth and inviting entrance to your home. A freshly resurfaced driveway not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also adds value to your property. Understanding the cost to do this might limit how much you can do, it would might be worth getting a few different quotes and ideas as there maybe a simple cheap option that would make a world of difference.
10. General cleaning
While this may sound like common sense the general cleanliness and maintenance of you front yard and house needs to be maintained through the whole sale process, things mike making sure the letterbox is not over flowing, the rubbish bins are put away weekly are just a start, But if you are anything like us even just the array of soccer balls in the gardens are put away when the kids are done will make a big difference.
If you are thinking of selling in the Sutherlands Shire, we are a local Real Estate Agent located in Lilli Pilli, servicing the local area including Port Hacking, Dolans Bay, Caringbah South, Caringbah, Miranda, Taren Point, Gymea, Gymea Bay, Cronulla, Yowie Bay, Sutherland, Engadine, Loftus, Yarrawarrah, Menai and Bangor. Call us today for a no obligation market appraisal and some tips on what we feel would help you sell your home in the Sutherland Shire for top dollar.