The Beginner's Guide to Improving a Property's Curb Appeal Prior to Selling

If you've never sold, bought or been in the business of property, you might not have heard of the expression "curb appeal". The phrase "curb appeal" itself simply refers to how appealing or attractive your home would look to someone standing on the curb opposite - or from a street view. It's as simple as that. That's why the notion of curb appeal is so important when it comes to selling a property. When potential buyers come to a viewing, the curb appeal of a property is the first impression they get before going inside, so if it puts them off, they aren't even likely to want to go any further. If you're selling your home in the near future and haven't done so before, then this beginner's guide on improving curb appeal will help you on your way

Get Planting
One of the first pieces of advice you're likely to be given when selling a property with companies such as https://www.readysteadysell.co.uk is to improve the curb appeal of your home - and what better way to improve an exterior than by with some greenery?

Plants and flowers are an absolute must for upping the attractiveness of the front of your home. Not only do they look amazing on their own, but if you plant them in the right way and in the right place, they can compliment the points of the home you want to show off. Even if gardening isn't really your thing, a few flowerbeds and hanging plant pots are easy enough to pull off, right?

Treat Your Lawn
The front lawn can make or break the overall effectiveness of your curb appeal. Sure, it's not the first thing people look at or for, but you can be sure that if it's overgrown or in bad condition, they'll notice it straight away.

Consider raking your lawn and giving it a nice treatment if it's looking a little tired. Likewise, if it's overgrown, make sure you cut it back and give it a trim. Nothing is more off-putting to potential buyers or makes a house look more unkempt than an overgrown lawn.

Be Bold with your Front Door
Never be afraid to be bold when it comes to your front door.

Think about it, when approaching a house, what's the first thing you zoom in on? The door, of course - you literally have to open and walk through it to get into the property. This being the case, it never hurts to make a statement with your front door, if anything it makes a house stand out and look more expensive.

Given that its currently Autumn, reds and greens work great for this time of year - and if you choose deep shades, they pair perfectly with gold accessories such as door handles and numbers to create a warm and inviting feel.

While you're at it, pair your new door with an equally sophisticated yet homely welcome mat! It's not only welcoming but practical too. If it's been raining, viewers have somewhere to wipe their feet and won't dirty your floor in the process. Result!

Clean the Gutters
We're getting into the months of poorer weather now - so the last thing you want is dirty and leaking guttering.

Even if you can't see all of the dirt and debris they collect, it has an impact on the outside and the overall function of your guttering in the bad weather. Try clearing these, and polishing the outsides of them. It's not the most pleasant of jobs, but it'll make the front of the house look as good as new in no time.

Oil and/or Paint Your Gate
If you're lucky enough to have a gate and a fence, then make the most of it!

Chances are if they haven't been done in a while, because they've been exposed to the elements, they'll be looking a little worse for wear - so give them a little polish and paint.

Likewise, if your gate is remotely stiff or creaky, oil and repair it! There's nothing less welcoming than having to wrestle with a gate to get onto the premise in the first place.

Light Up the Doorway
Last of all, light up your doorway!

You could consider having an outdoor light installed, or you could even just leave a lamp on in the porch, so the light is visible through the front door window. It'll make the house look that little bit more inviting. After all, no one wants to view a house in the dark, do they?