Staging - Curb Appeal

Prospective buyers often make a decision whether to look inside a property after inspecting it’s ‘curb appeal’, which really translates as the view they get from the curb. You are far less likely to entice them inside if the can already see signs of neglect or disrepair. Wise sellers invest a little time and effort here to reap the rewards. The following tips should enhance the appearance of the front of your property and remove some of the obstacles to a possible sale.

• Sweep-up the driveway and any porch areas, so there is no rubbish or fallen leaves.
• Remove any oil stains on the drive-way.
• Repair any leaks or damage to the exterior of the property.
• Deal with un-even paving stones as they can irritate buyers.
• Ensure the grass is cut and trees and shrubs look neat and tidy. Remove any weeds or dead plants.
• Clean your windows so they sparkle.
• Consider placing attractive, coloured planters on either side of the door (creating symmetry) and drawing the eye towards the door. You can choose appropriately-sized foliage or flowers for these. Creating this type of focal point can be a real winner with buyers. (co-ordinated exteriors tend to be popular).
• Cheery flowers can soften the look of the front of the house, so try arranging some in small pots where they can be seen but won’t block any paths. An alternative could be hanging baskets. Don’t go over-board with these, but they can look charming.Take care to maintain them as dying flowers scream neglect.
• Ensure the front door is freshly painted and the door bell is operational! The hinges should be oiled if necessary and the letterbox and door handle buffed.
• The front of the house should be well light. You can also add low-voltage lighting along the driveway for example, to add some illumination during the evenings. Many prospective buyers like to visit at this time, and it may give you the edge over your competition.
• If you have a garage, take the time to clean the door. It costs nothing but makes a difference.
• Attend to any loose guttering or peeling windowsills. Check that the roof is also in good order. This is also the time to deal with any mold or mildew.
• Remove any children’s toys and stow away bicycles and garden tools. (perhaps in the shed or garage). Wheely bins can also be moved so they are not in immediate view.
• Not everyone favours garden gnomes, naked statues and spinning plastic flowers, so perhaps tone that type of thing down as much as possible during the viewings.
• You don’t want to see an abandoned shopping trolley at the entrance to your driveway, so why would prospective buyers?
• Leaving the drive-way clear of cars means that prospective buyers can fully appreciate the space around the house as they arrive, and gives them somewhere convenient to park. If you have a large enough area, parking your own expensive car (or your friend’s classic sports car) can add an aspirational touch.
• If you are showing the house on a warm, dry day, take the time to sprinkle the lawn just before viewers arrive, giving it that ‘lush’ vibrant look.

Got a subject you want us to cover? Ask Bubsy!