Getting ready to sell? First impressions count!
First impressions can add value to your home! Some buyers do judge a book by its cover! Fortunately we know creating the right first impression doesn't need to break the bank, and let us tell you why...
At Snapes we know first impressions count, but we can also give you comfort that a good proactive estate agent will continue to sell the benefits of a buyer getting inside your property to feel the space and imagine themselves turning your property into their home.
Over the years we have sold property to thousands of people who said "we wouldn't have viewed and bought this property, if you had not pushed us too". and when they say pushed, they mean sold the benefits of getting inside the property... so please don't think we are a "pushy" estate agent, however we are experienced and understand a home is as much about the feeling as it is the aesthetics and knowing what a buyer needs can definitely help you overcome some first impression objections.
So when you are ready to sell, it is important the property professional you trust with the sale of your home understands where first impressions are gained. They should be skilled in their ability to ensure they can create what the industry calls a "click through" when a buyer is house hunting online, or a "foot over the door step" in the real world as both do go hand in hand with first impressions.
Now before we share some tips, we must confess... We don't share our tips on how to get the best first impression online or how to create the click through and turn that into a viewing, as that to be fair is why we have lasted 30 years in the industry... some secrets to put it bluntly are only for our clients. Although, if you could get me the actual recipe KFC boneless chicken, I might be tempted to share our secret ingredients in a one off fair trade.
So here are some tips on how you can help with first impressions for people who drive by your property before viewing and these can help with the online marketing, although many a pretty house doesn't sell for a reason, which is why we keep some tips back for our clients.
So what is a first impression of a house you might be thinking...
First impressions are important. That's why your home must have great kerb appeal when you're selling. The outside of your home is the first thing that potential buyers will see online or in the real world. It can help them decide whether or not they'd like to view the inside as well. Here are some questions about kerb appeal that we frequently get, and what you need to know to make your home stand out.
What is kerb appeal?
"kerb appeal" is a phrase often associated with property. But what does it mean? Kerb appeal is what your home looks like from the street or on the online property advert. It's a combination of design elements that can create a pleasing exterior. When your home has kerb appeal, it is often described as being cute, inviting, quaint, charming, elegant, sophisticated, or welcoming. But don't worry if none of these apply to yours just yet... You don't need to have kerb appeal now, as you can create it quite easily.
Why is kerb appeal so important?
Kerb appeal is crucial when you're selling your home. 99% of the time, the exterior of your home is the first thing a potential buyer will see, either online or when they're driving by. They will form an opinion based on what the outside of your home looks like, which will help them decide if they want to see more. But that isn't the only reason that kerb appeal is so important. It can actually increase the value of your home. In fact, it is estimated that kerb appeal can add as much as 7 to 10 percent to your home's value.
How can I improve my home's kerb appeal?
The great news is that kerb appeal is one of the easiest things to create when you're selling your home. Here are some ideas for creating excellent kerb appeal when you're selling:
- Stage the area around your front door with plants or hanging baskets, a clear and easy to see new house number sign, and a fresh coat of paint if you have any defective wooden areas and if you have a door bell... make sure it works! or take it off!
- Pin back any lose hanging cables such as telephone wires, or satellite TV cables
- Lighting can add a certain charm, so adding exterior lights to pathways and driveways can make a home look lovely in the darker months and maybe even help a viewer navigate their way to the front door!
- Clean up the landscaping including trimming trees and bushes, pulling weeds, and mowing the lawn
- I know, this one makes my blood boil, but still... Do the councils job if you must! If you have a public grass verge outside keep it mowed, and any weeds on the pavements close to your wall, or hedge remove them too.
- Clean and tidy your window ledges, door frames, door, etc... the 10 seconds to 30 seconds your viewer will spend at the front door waiting for someone to answer is always best when the surroundings are as clean as possible.
- Lastly and perhaps not easy for some! - But if you can and if you have an elderly neighbour or someone who is not great at keeping their garden mowed... make a joke, find a reason to say "you will cut it for them, whilst you are doing yours! This can be an extra 15 to 30 minutes which might make a viewer less worried about "the next door property" which is can be a common question we get asked when a neighbouring property is unsightly. Feel free to ask us for more help on this.
What mistakes should I avoid?
While it's easy to add kerb appeal to your home, there are some mistakes that you should avoid. These include:
- Avoid completely redoing the landscape. You only need to concentrate on a few key areas to make a real difference in your kerb appeal. BUT if you choose to re-landscape try to keep it simple and useful. ie more parking space if parking on the road is difficult, or more flower beds if previously it was a concrete jungle. It is costly which is why we say "avoid" if possible.
- Try to avoid paint colours that are too bright or not currently popular. Instead opt for the neutral shades that blend well with your neighbourhood. If the buyer likes bright pink, or canary yellow, then they will add this colour themselves.
- Touched on above, avoid making your landscape very personal -- it should appeal to the widest swath of buyers as possible but most importantly offer a functionality which will considered more useful than say "a mini putting green". (Sorry Golf fans.. you can add that later)
- Not continuing to keep on top of the maintenance. Even if you find a buyer early, keep weeding, cleaning and mowing the lawn, as your buyer might want to revisit or in the unlikely event the buyer pulls out, you are ready for the next "first impression".
How much do I need to spend?
Adding some strategic enhancements to your home's exterior when you sell is both easy and budget-friendly. In fact, you shouldn't spend too much on updating your home's kerb appeal.
We tend to use the general rule of spend time over money, but everything comes at a cost. We are happy to talk to you about jobs you wonder "should you" or "shouldn't you do" to help you make the right decision.
Contact us today to get more tips and advice on selling your home.