How to get that curb appeal

In today's buyers market, the first challenge when marketing a home is to get potential buyers actually to visit the home. You really want to ensure an attractive curb appeal to entice the purchaser to make a viewing appointment

Here are Louw & Coetzee's top 6 tips to get that curb appeal, without breaking the bank:

1. Update your house number

Swapping out nondescript and "off-the-shelf" house numbers for a creative or updated set in a style that complements your home's architecture is a small change with a big payoff. Look for an individualized number or order one custom made.  This is a low-cost way of updating your home's first impressions.

2. Pressure wash the exterior

Pressure washing is a quick and effective way to remove layers of dirt from your home's exterior walls, as well as from the driveway and paths around your home. Getting rid of this built-up dirt and grime on your home's exterior can be so transformative your neighbours might think you've repainted. Of course, a coat of paint is often unavoidable, but the good old pressure wash could sometimes achieve similar results at a fraction of the cost.

3. Frame the entrance 

Planting a few pots of seasonal blooms or lush green foliage draws the eye toward the front door. On a small stoop, even a single pot will do the trick, but if you have more room, why not use it? The use of stylish containers with vibrant seasonal plants and flowers make for a welcoming feel and a definite, uplifting curb appeal.

4. Clean up the front garden

Sounds obvious, but only a few see this as a pre-requisite for attracting the right purchasers to their properties.  The solution is simple - clean, cut, prune, replace, fertilize and water.  Should your budget not allow for extensive new planting, a bark cover would undoubtedly go a long way in freshening up the front garden.  

5. Clean your gutters

Clean gutters both inside and out, clearing out any debris and really scrubbing the outsides until they look good as new (or as close to new as you can get them looking). You'll be in awe at what a little elbow grease can do and prospective buyers can see that the current owners has a special eye for detail. 

6. Update the front path

A good front path offers the first hint of the style to come. Think of the difference between a curving path of rustic flagstones, a traditional brick walkway and modern poured concrete. If done correctly, an updated pathway could be a relatively cost-effective way of giving a fresh look while accentuating the architecture of your home and putting your own personal stamp on the space.