Kerb appeal, a prospective viewer’s initial first impressions of your property, can play a huge part in the sale of your home. We all know that a successful sale is normally down to getting viewers over the threshold and if your property is looking its best, you will have a better chance of getting these all-important viewers through the front door.

Selling your property can be stressful so why not take advantage of these seven simple tips to help make the process a little easier:

1. Fix the obvious
   If the front gate is hanging off its hinges or there are loose paving stones in the front path, have these items fixed.  If the doorbell is hanging off the wall or the front light is not working, these first impressions will be remembered.
2. Keep the garden tidy
   It doesn’t take much to mow the lawn or give those borders a quick weeding and a well cared for garden implies a well cared for home. Also think about adding some low maintenance pot plants to give instant additional colour to your garden.
3.  Think about freshening up the exterior paintwork
   I’m not suggesting spending a fortune here but if you are able to give the exterior a quick freshen up, this can work wonders with first impressions. Peeling or cracked paintwork is never nice to look at.
4. Keep windows and doors clean
   Bright sparkling windows will give the impression of a fresh and clean home. Also, have those gutters cleared out and get rid of any protruding weeds.
5. Get rid of the clutter
   This applies to the interior as well as the exterior.  No one likes to see a messy garden or untidy rooms.  Clearing the clutter gives an impression of space and order and lets people imagine where they are going to put there own belongings. Remember the old saying of ‘less is more’ works wonders here.
6. Keep it neutral
   Shocking pink might be your all-time favourite but it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea.  Keep it simple with low-key neutral tones as this gives the impression of a ‘blank canvas’ and lets viewers imagine putting their own stamp on the property.
7. Keep it clean
   This one might sound rather obvious but it’s often a point that many sellers overlook. An unclean home can be very off-putting and leave a lasting impression.  It can be such an easy thing to fix and all it will cost is a bit of elbow grease.

Taking control of the simple things can work wonders. It can help to increase your viewings which in turn will generate more interest in your property and hopefully achieve a quicker sale.  For more information or assistance with ideas, please contact our Property Department to arrange an appointment with one of our Property Managers.

Euan Stewart, Property Manager
Estate Agency
Blackadders LLP

www.blackadders.co.uk