The Importance of Kerb Appeal: First Impressions That Sell Homes
Judging a book by its cover isn’t necessarily something to shy away from. The exterior of a property, commonly referred to as “kerb appeal”, is often the first thing potential buyers see, and it can set the tone for the entire viewing experience. YouGov reported that 68% of homeowners admitted kerb appeal played a crucial part in their most recent choice of home.
When listing a home, harnessing the power of a first impression can drastically change the selling process.
Here we’ll take a peek at the most important contributors to good kerb appeal, whilst also looking at alternative ways to speed up a sale before the viewer has even set foot on the driveway.
Landscaping
A well-landscaped front garden could add 20% to a property’s value, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to elevate their kerb appeal.
With front garden renovations clocking in at £2,500-£4000, other cost-effective options exist for those without capital to invest. Consider adding simple, low-maintenance plants to provide year-round greenery. Simple tasks, like mowing the lawn and adding bursts of colour with seasonal flowers also go a long way.
Exterior Cleaning and Maintenance
Front garden or not, buyers are more likely to suspect potential maintenance issues if a home looks ill-cared for from the outside.
Power-washing driveways and patios is a cost-effective way to immediately make a large proportion of the outdoor space sparkling and well-kept. With a front door being the first feature a potential buyer will touch, new paint and polished house numbers can make a lasting difference.
Voted by 71% of UK homebuyers, well-kept windows are considered the most important contributor to kerb appeal. Flakes of paint and signs of rot on a window’s exterior can quickly degrade a viewer’s confidence in the property before they’ve even made it inside. So it’s worth giving them some extra love and care.
Alternatives
Not every homeowner has the resources to make these improvements. An alternative to boosting a home’s kerb appeal is, quite simply, to do none and turn to an online property sales platform.
In instances where an effortless sale is a priority, these services allow a homeowner to sell their house without the cost of extensive upgrades, agency commission and legal fees.
There are no hidden costs. The service keeps the surplus if the house sells for higher than the agreed price. But the homeowner always receives the value they wanted from the sale.
Looking beyond our own façades is also important when considering kerb appeal. Because, what if your neighbours don’t follow suit? According to a report by Nextdoor, a staggering 94% believe it important to have neighbours with good kerb appeal.
Many streets have addressed this by forming residents’ associations. These work to collectively enhance kerb appeal beyond their own homes and into the features of the street itself, such as flower boxes on the pavements, street art and tree planting.
This can be a cheaper way to improve not only the price of homes in the neighbourhood but also the quality of life where they live.
Conclusion
Landscaping and exterior maintenance can markedly improve a homeowner’s selling experience. And while first impressions are everything, there are always other ways to sell a home fast.
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