Seal the deal with curb appeal

An old saying goes that there is never a second chance to make a first impression. In property speak this first impression is "curb appeal" and simply refers to how attractive or appealing a property is from the outside - literally, from the curb. 

Property owners thinking of selling generally do well to consider the curb appeal and to invest a bit of time to ensure that first impression is the one that seals the deal. 

Property professional Silvana Dos Reis Marques, Principal at Leapfrog Pretoria East and Irene, has seen time and again how curb appeal positively influences prospective buyers.

She answers the questions below.

What counts as curb appeal?

Curb appeal is more about an overall impression than any one specific thing or feature - it's the visual attractiveness of a property from the outside. 

Key elements of curb appeal include:

Facade of property: This includes the paintwork on the outside - is it neatly done in a coordinated colour scheme? Clean windows are also important here.

Landscaping: Is the garden well looked after? Is the grass cut and the flower beds neatly turned up? It doesn't need to be pristine but should give the impression of owners who care. We're drawn to beautiful things so an attractive front garden or yard is a key part of the first impression somebody has of your property.

Entrance to the property: Is the path to the front door easily accessible? Is it neat and gate. Walking to the front door is the property version of rolling out the red carpet. You want a buyer (or a guest) to feel a sense of anticipation as they make their way to the front door. 

How much does curb appeal matter?

Curb appeal is not something that can be quantified or measured, but over the years I have observed - first hand - that properties with great curb appeal sell faster and they sell for more money, which is almost always the seller's goal. 

Beyond the selling prerogative, living in a property with great curb appeal feels good and it adds positively to the overall aesthetic of the neighbourhood. It's also true that in neighbourhoods where the homes are well looked after - especially from the outside - the properties also fetch a higher price on the market. 

What are some easy ways to add to your curb appeal?

Of course, you could go all out and paint the house, do up the garden, install beautiful outdoor lighting and lay a nice path to the front door. (Do this if you want, it will definitely add to the value of your property!) An easier and more cost-effective way is to wash down the facade with a pressure hose to clean it a bit. Mow the lawn and trim shrubs and any overgrown foliage. Consider spending a few hundred rands on new plants - something colourful is always a nice addition - or an interesting pot at the front door. 

The reality is that curb appeal is most often a priority when property owners want to sell, which is when you don't want to spend money on the property. As such, cleaning and clearing is fine, and can actually go a long way in making the space more attractive.