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First impressions can make or break a property marketing campaign, which is why kerb appeal should rank high for sellers and agents alike.
Real estate agent and author John Cannizzaro has gathered a few tips over the years, and he revealed his advice to make a lasting impression.
Huh? What’s kerb appeal?
Kerb appeal is the appeal and attractiveness of a property as viewed from the kerb or street.
Why does it matter?
Having an attractive-looking property is always appealing; however, if you’re selling, kerb appeal, among a list of other things, is extremely important to get right.
Like you only get one chance at a first impression, so too does your property to all potential buyers — especially those that are premium buyers!
So, what can be done to improve kerb appeal?
Even if you’re not selling, these low cost-to-value enhancements can help position your property in its best possible light.
Better yet, it can be done at a leisurely pace over a weekend.
1. The nature strip
• Remove the leaves and weeds
• Edge and mow the lawn
Pro tip: Don’t mow low as it promotes weed growth and takes away from the lush, green look.
2. The fence
Don’t underestimate the power of new paint.
Whether it’s timber or metal, a new coat of paint can work wonders to rejuvenate an old and tired-looking fence.
Pro tip: Stick with white for picket fences.
3. The garden
• Deadhead your roses and blooms
• Cut back and size up overhanging, messy plants
• Hedge the hedging
• Remove the leaves and weeds
• Edge and mow the lawn
• Fertilise and water
Pro tip: Dress up your garden beds and keep the weeds away by laying down at least six layers of newspaper on top of the exposed soil and then apply at least 25mm worth of thick mulch on top.
4. The tidy-up
• Declutter - maximise space by removing anything on the veranda/balcony, i.e. old couches, bikes
• Clear the gutters
• Remove cobwebs and dust
• Clean flyscreens, security screens, screen doors, window sills, railings, bars and windows
• Pressure-wash driveways and footpaths
Pro tip: Try the pressure of the pressure washer on a spare brick, tile or inconspicuous area before cleaning to decide what will work best for you and your situation.
5. The finishing touches
• Give the windows, door frame and any other highlights and features a new coat of matching paint
• New brighter light globes for lamps/lights
• New house number
• New doormat
• New doorbell
Pro tip: Where possible, keep all new finishing touches the same or similar colours.
These simple and cost-effective tips can help change the complete look, feel and vibe of your property so much so that it will feel like coming home to a new place.
Now, just lastly...
Here’s a handful of bonus tips to help push your kerb appeal even further.
• Consider painting your front door a unique colour to capture attention and make it stand out. Top choices of colours include yellow, blue, red and green.
• If you don’t have a front garden, consider the next best thing — well-placed pots with plants. Don’t go overboard though; remember, less is more.
• Keep bins out of the front yard.
• Consider changing your letterbox or at least giving it a new coat of paint.
• A well-positioned item or object like furniture, a statue or even a water feature can also make a difference to the finished presentation.
By John Cannizzaro, editor The Property 101
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