How To Maximise Your Property's Exteriors For A Quicker Sale

According to property industry experts, potential buyers form an opinion about a property within the first few seconds of seeing it, be it in person or online. This makes a home's exterior and kerb appeal vitally important to your sale. When a home's outward appearance is eye-catching and well-maintained, buyers are more likely to take an interest and want to see more, which increases the chances of them putting in an offer.

Outdoor spaces offer the perfect opportunity for sellers to make a great first impression. With some simple improvements and strategic photography, you can maximise your property's appeal and highlight its best features for viewers. This will help generate more interest among buyers and potentially lead to a quicker sale. Here are a few tips on making sure the exterior of your home is just as impressive as the inside.

Why First Impressions Count

They say you never get a second chance at a first impression. This old adage rings true when selling a home. Within seconds of seeing a house in-person or online, potential buyers start forming an opinion. Kerb appeal can make or break that all-important first impression. A polished, well-kept and visually appealing exterior sparks interest and draws buyers in. On the other hand, a rundown, cluttered or poorly maintained home causes most people to pass right by.

Kerb appeal is critical because judgements happen so quickly. The home's landscaping, entryway, driveway and outdoor living spaces are all on display. For home buyers browsing online listings or driving by, the front exterior is one of the first things they notice. With so much riding on that vital first impression, maximising your home's kerb appeal is one of the most effective ways to sell faster and get more people through the door. Little touches to enhance the exterior can entice viewers to take a closer look.

Prioritise Exterior Home Improvements

Freshening up the exterior home should be a top priority when getting your property ready for listing. Start by painting or power washing the home to instantly make it look new again. Opt for neutral, attractive colours that will appeal to a wider pool of buyers. Take a good look at doors and gating too. A broken, worn front door can give the wrong impression and make a home appear far less secure so replacing this, or similarly fixing any issues with garage doors and side gates, will help improve viewers' perceptions.

Update exterior lighting fixtures too, as good lighting is key for showing off the home's best features at night or in the winter period when the days are shorter. Install new, stylish exterior lighting by the front entry, on pathways and by the garage to create a cosy, welcoming ambiance.

Clean out gutters and make exterior repairs to tackle any damage or issues like cracked walls, damaged roof shingles, peeling paint and broken guttering. This isn't just beneficial for potential buyers but also for you as a homeowner while you're waiting for the home to sell, ensuring you minimise the risk of a leak caused by a blocked gutter or missing roof tile.

With some budget-friendly upgrades and a little DIY elbow grease, you can give your home's exterior a major refresh. Focus on quick, easy boosts that make your property look pristine from the outside. This will wow potential buyers from the moment they arrive.

Tidy Up the Landscaping

Landscaping can make a huge impact on kerb appeal and has the potential to completely transform how your home looks from the street view. When done right, it frames the home, draws the eye towards the best features and makes a stellar first impression.

To maximise your property's landscaping, start by pruning back and trimming any trees, bushes, shrubs or plants that block or obscure the view of your home. Create clean lines and define the home's shape and style by keeping surrounding flora in check.

Be sure to weed all garden beds and flower areas too, removing any dead plants or debris or litter that may have blown into the garden. Apply fresh mulch in a consistent colour and thickness for a polished look and to encourage your newly planted flowers to bloom.

Next, add punches of colour and interest with seasonal flowers, plants and greenery. Opt for brightly coloured blooms that stand out and catch the eye. Place flowering plants or colourful potted plants by the front door, along the pathways or by side buildings to add a fresh appeal and interest. This will highlight the home's architecture and draw attention to the front façade. Lastly, mow any lawned areas or top of up gravel for pathways to finish off the front space. A pristine, welcoming landscape encourages buyers to take a closer look at your property.

Capture Your Home in the Right Light

The way a home is photographed for property listings is just as important as the in-person kerb appeal itself. When taking exterior shots, it's essential to capture the property at optimal times of day and highlight its standout features. The best time to photograph the exterior is usually early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is soft but still bright to showcase your home in its entirety, while avoiding harsh shadows and high-contrast lighting.

Slowly walk around the property to photograph the home from multiple angles and elevations, and take engaging photos of the street too, as location is highly important to buyers. If you live near significant landmarks for example, or on a particularly picturesque tree-lined street, make sure this is highlighted in your listing for those viewing online. With strategic photography that captures kerb appeal at the perfect times of day, you can entice more potential buyers to take notice of your property online and in-person.

A home's exterior appeal plays a crucial role in attracting buyers. The right improvements and making sure the home is presented in the right light can maximise your property's visual appeal and help it sell faster. Well-maintained landscaping, and a pristine exterior will make your home shine and stand out among others in the property listings.

Image is from a beautiful 5 bedroomed detached house in Bath available January 2023. For the full listing, please click here.