When a potential buyer is looking for a home, after their internet searches, the first thing they will do is a ‘drive by’ of potential properties they have picked out.  If your home from the curb side doesn’t match up, then they will drive on and dismiss your home without stepping a foot inside.

If on the other hand, your property puts on a great first show from the curb side, it can get people to come inside to inspect your home further and it can actually increase the value of your home.

Putting your home’s best foot forward so to speak is really important so we have put together a list of really simple things you can do or organise, that won’t break the bank and will give you the best return on investment for any dollars spent.  Some are so simple that you probably haven’t even considered them.

Even if you are not selling your home, these are great points to consider to maintain and improve the long term value of your home.

The quick list

• #1 – Clean and Tidy
• #2 – Mailboxes & Fences… Plus a Street Number
• #3 – Carports and Carparking Space
• #4 – Low Maintenance Garden
• #5 – Time to Paint?
• #6 – Fix and Repair

Let’s talk about them in a little more detail….

#1 – Clean and Tidy

The easiest way to increase value of your home (inside and out!) is by simply cleaning and tidying up.  A clean and tidy, well maintained home shows that it has been cared for which for the new owners means less upfront or ongoing maintenance, plus peace of mind.

Now, you know we clean gutters, but did you know that this can help increase the value of you home?  You can often see what’s in the gutters from the curb so having clean gutters (without a gutter garden) lets a potential buyer see that you take care and maintain your home.  If you clean your gutters then you probably do other maintenance items as well. 

Another great investment is pressure cleaning of driveways and paths.  It is amazing how much of a difference a simple pressure clean can make to these large surface areas.  Don’t forget your roof … if it is dirty or has mould, then a clean can make all the difference.

Don’t miss the simple things either…. Tidy garden beds, get rid of cobwebs, remove any old furniture, broken tree limbs or dead plants.

Give the outside of your home a wash and pay close attention to windows as a sparkling clean window (without streak marks) will make all the difference to the appearance of your home. (Speak to your local Gutter-Vac Franchisee as many clean windows – particular high set windows)

#2 – Mailboxes & Fences…. plus a Street Number!

How’s your mailbox looking?  Bit old, bit tired?  Maybe it is time for a new one or if in good shape, maybe a quick coat of paint to spruce it up.  If you are getting a new mailbox, then invest in one that suits the style of your home.  The mailbox is often the first thing people see.

Consider your fence because along with the mailbox, it is often the first thing people see.  Need some repairs or a repaint?  Does your fence give a welcome feel to your home and suit the style of your home?  Consider not only the style of your home, but also the location.  If you are on a busy road, then a more sturdy, secure fence will add value to your home. 

An enclosed front yard, even with a simple fence, will always appeal as it allows a buyer to imagine their kids or pets playing in the front yard.

Consider making a driveway gate remote controlled.  Great for busy streets and also just the thought of not having to get out of the car in the rain to open the gate!

Did you know that a well numbered home will actually increase the value of your home?

Yes, get some numbers from the hardware store and add in a clear to see location (eg. your mailbox or on your fence near the gate) and it will add value.  Potential buyers will not only be able to find your house easily, but in their minds they will also be thinking that their visitors will also be able to find the house. 

If you want to go one step further, why don’t you give you home a name?  Do a little research on its history or simply make up a name.  Get a sign made up and then put it up!  You’d be surprised the emotion and story this brings to your home and how that will make it more appealing to a buyer who will WANT to pay top dollar for your home.  Add it to your porch wall next to the front door.

#3 – Carports and Car Parking Space

If you have no car parking on your property, but have room to add it, then add it!  Buyers love to get their cars off the street.  You don’t have to go to the full expense of a garage.  Carports are relatively cheap and pre-fabricated and with a simple slab of concrete, there you go, car parking with shelter.  Consider putting a roller door on a new or existing carport for an open garage.  Simple and cost effective but will add value.

If you have a garage, does it need a spruce up?  Maybe a new roller door? 

Got space for extra parking?  If you find yourself with the luxury of a larger house lot, then maybe add a simple concrete slab to allow for extra car parking.  This won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated by a buyer and certainly will add value.  If it is the right sort of space and a family home, paint on some basketball lines and add a hoop… parking and kids entertainment in one!

#4 – Low Maintenance Garden

As everyone is getting busier, they want the look of a lovely front garden, but many people don’t want to spend their weekend tinkering in the garden to keep it looking lovely.  Go for plants that are easy care.  Don’t think you need colour in a garden to appeal to a potential buyer, green is a colour everyone loves.  If selling, an easy care way to add colour is to add potted flowers.

You might not need to do anything to your garden other than to give it a good trim and add some new mulch to give it a great look and feel.  Adding some simple garden edging will give it a well maintained feel. 

Keeping the lawn mowed may seem like a simple statement, but look around and you will see that this may seem obvious, but not always done.  If you have a few bare patches in your grass, consider reseeding those sections or if the grass never grows, then maybe time to plant a small tree.  If selling, potential buyers will look at the neighbour’s homes, so do a good deed and mow your neighbour’s lawn too.  Good deed = increased value for you.

When looking at your garden, don’t forget to consider some lighting.  It could be some solar powered lights along your path, lights near the gate or even a few ‘mood’ lights within the garden.  Not only do they add a little ambience to your home, they are also great for security or simply making it to the front door in the dark. 

Don’t forget some motion detection lights at the front door and near the garage are great for simply coming home, but also great security.  Things that all new home buyers look for and will continue to add appeal and value to your home.

#5 – Time to Paint?

Even though this can be a bigger investment, hands down, paint is one of the best ways to add value to your home.

If you’re not sure if you want to invest in a total repaint, then consider simply repainting your fence and the trims of your home as just this will make a great deal of difference. 

Another one is to simply repaint your front door.  Even though we love red at Gutter-Vac, that doesn’t mean you should paint your front door that colour.  Tie it into your current home colour.  Contrast works well.  A white home with a black door and trim can look spectacular and give your home a real ‘pop’ and it isn’t even using any colour at all. 

Not sure on colour?  Simply take a walk around your neighbourhood.  Consider the style of your home and look to see what others have done.  You want a colour that will pop out and look fresh and appealing, but it should also suit the style of your home and not be polarising to a potential buyer.  Clean, fresh and traditional colours work the best.

#6 – Fix and Repair

Take a good look around and fix and repair anything you can see.  Do your windows shut properly?  Does the gate or front door squeak?  Cracks in paths or tiles?  Hand rails that need tightening? 

You might be amazed at how much just a fix and repair will add value to your home.  Not just from the look and feel, but for the peace of mind for a potential buyer. 

Walk across the street and look at your home from a distance.  Is anything not secured, not straight, cracked, broken or needs a paint?  Then walk through your front yard to your home and look for anything and everything.  Open and close every gate, door and window.  Look down but remember to also look up.  Get a second set of eyes as they may see something that you miss. 

So that’s a wrap!

What could you do to improve the value and appeal of your home for potential buyers or maybe simply to increase the value of your home whether or not you are planning to sell.

If you need a hand with some of these items then please simply request a quote or call your local franchisee on 1300 654 253.