First impressions always count. They’re a bit of a misnomer, as first impressions actually last far longer than the first moment we lay eyes on something.
This has never been truer when it comes to property, as first impressions will have a significant impact on the likelihood of a sale going through.
In the property market, we often call a first impression the “curb appeal”, aptly named for the way a prospective buyer will perceive the property before they’ve even stepped inside. When putting your property on the market, getting the curb appeal right is essential because it will begin every potential sale with positive momentum, as well as linger through each and every stage of the sale process. Indeed, if and when bumps in the road occur during a sale, a buyer will be more likely to stay committed to a transaction if they’ve had a positive first impression of the property (a phenomenon known as the primacy effect).
Even if the inside of your property is exceptional, the chances are that many prospective buyers will never step foot inside to see it if your property does not have a strong curb appeal. This also applies to online listings and directories, as oftentimes the external view of the property is the leading photograph on these listings. When users have the ability to scroll through dozens of properties per day, an unappealing external view will likely result in them scrolling straight past your property.
The right curb appeal can also increase the value of your home. The amount of course will depend on the property, but if your property’s curb appeal was poor when you moved in, sprucing it up when you come to sell could give the price of your home a considerable boost. A well looked after property will make the asking price of your property much more likely to be achieved.
Improving The Curb Appeal Of Your Property
When considering the curb appeal of your property, it’s a good idea to think about the building and the landscape separately. Out of the two, the building itself is unquestionably the hardest – and usually the most expensive – to get right because defects on the building can have both cosmetic and practical implications. For example, overflowing gutters aren’t pleasant to look at, but more importantly, they’re a red flag for dampness inside. Similarly, cracked window frames might be ugly, but also hint at issues of condensation and draft.
Before putting your property on the market, pay close attention to; windows and shutters; front doors and other external entry points; brickwork; guttering; roofing (any roofing that can be seen from the front in particular).
While front gardens, on the whole, are more cosmetic, they’re just as important to get right if you want to leave a positive impression. While we’re sure there are countless garden ideas out there to really make yours stand out, the most important thing for you to do is ensure it is neat and tidy. Keep the lawn in check, trim those bushes, and dig out the pressure washer for the paving. It’d also be a good idea to give your fencing some attention, whether that means repairs or just a simple coat of paint.
If your garden is a chaotic mess, it will be difficult for prospective buyers to envision themselves spending time there, and it will set up expectations that the inside of your home will be in a similar state, even if it isn’t. Remember: positive momentum is key.
Jackson Grundy
As the leading estate agent in Northampton, Jackson Grundy can help you achieve the perfect curb appeal when you decide it’s time to sell your property. With expert market knowledge and photography, we’ll help your home look the best it can be, both inside and out. Get in touch with your local branch today to see how we can help you sell your property quickly and efficiently.
