How to Add Value to Your Home Outdoors Without Blowing the Budget
First impressions play a huge part in the final sales price you get for your home.
While a significant component is making sure the property is sound, and that it will meet their needs, it’s the perception potential buyers get when they first view your home that will ultimately go on to influence their final decision - and the offer they make.
We all know it pays to make sure inside is immaculate, but it’s the exterior of your home that will initially catch their eye. Not only that, but it’s usually the first photo online - of your home’s façade - that will be the reason they’re even at the open in the first place!
So what happens if your yard’s in need of some TLC, but you’re on a tight budget? Don’t stress.
There’s still plenty you can do to make a remarkable impression outdoors.
Freshen up the front.
The first thing people see when they attend an open is the front of the house.
If it’s tired, dated and worn, it’s safe to say that the first impression won’t be incredible - and certainly won’t bode well for attracting higher offers.
So given that most people make a judgement call within the first 7 seconds, one of the most value-adding things you can do is make sure your façade is up to scratch.
Chat to your agent about what is trending right now, and unless yours is a character home that requires an eye for detail and a certain tone, look to run with modern colours that freshen up the appearance.
When your home looks impeccably cared for and inviting, not only does it signal to buyers that it’s been looked after, but they are also able to start picturing themselves living there more easily.
Tidy up ‘round back.
It sounds simple, but a big clean - that costs nothing - could actually add an insane amount to the final sales price of your home.
Why? Because potential buyers want to see a clean slate, and be given room to imagine what the space will look like with their stuff in it.
A cluttered backyard or entertaining area doesn’t allow that to happen.
So take a look around - what can you get rid of? What can be stowed away? And what can simply be given a really good clean to make sure it’s in tip top shape come open day?
From kids toys to sports equipment, dusty tools and that shabby old hammock you love - make sure that everything has its place, is stored neatly and nothing is left lying around.
Scrub the outdoor chairs and sweep the pavers, give the pool a deep clean and get rid of spiderwebs. Even hide the bins!
Every little thing you do will help enhance the space - and hopefully attract bigger offers!
Lean in to DIY landscaping.
How does your garden look?
If it’s untidy or overgrown, giving it a facelift is a hugely valuable thing to do.
And unless you’ve got a real jungle on your hands, or the funds for a landscaper, it’s definitely something you can tackle on the cheap without doing any major works.
To make it easy, start with the big stuff. Make sure the trees and shrubs are neatly cut back. Remove dead branches, trim back thick foliage and neaten up the edges. Mulch the garden beds, pull weeds and rake up leaves.
Next, mow the lawns and get rid of any runners invading the edges. Throw on some fertiliser and give it a good water - it’ll be lush and green in no time!
And finally, engage your green thumb and head down to the local nursery. Grab some inexpensive shrubs - or even herbs - and use them to plug any unfilled gaps. A lush garden always appeals, and adds untold character, interest and value to your home.
Pressure wash the paths.
We all know how satisfying it is to give things a deep clean - especially if they haven’t seen much love in a while - and this is where our pavers, paths and decks usually find themselves.
Easily overlooked, when things are sparkling clean underfoot, it’s amazing what a difference it makes!
So buy, borrow or hire a high pressure cleaner and get spraying!
Before you start, make sure to inspect the surface you’ll be cleaning to make sure it’s sound - weathered stonework can be prone to crumbling, while old timber decks can split or crack - but if it’s sturdy, you’re good to go.
Pressure washing is a cheap and easy task that can be done in a day, but can really add that x-factor to your home.
Revamp rusty metalwork.
Look around your yard - do you spot any rusty fixtures?
With the worst offenders usually letterboxes, hinges and doorknobs, these seemingly small details can have a big visual impact, and detract from the value of your home.
Inexpensive to replace, it’s worth doing as it can make a world of difference to the look and feel of your home, and a good first impression on potential buyers.
Choose designs that suit the style of your home, and remember to stay consistent - if you’ve got a modern home, make sure you’ve got the letterbox to match!
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Even if funds are limited, there’s loads that can be done to improve the value of your home - and its chances of selling for a higher price.
Remember - a huge part of it all comes down to perception - so if your home looks appealing, and impresses from the moment potential buyers arrive, you’re well on your way to achieving your sales goal!
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Want to learn more about the best way to sell your home? We’re ready and waiting to answer all your questions!
If you’re just getting started, or looking for more valuable property selling tips, tricks and hints, check out these other handy articles on our blog:
× Which Real Estate Agent Is Right For You?
× Are All Renovations Created Equal?
× Are These 5 Real Estate Myths Holding You Back?
And for all the very best property sales or investing advice, why not connect with us - We Connect Property are your local property market specialists with over 21 years’ experience in buying, selling and managing property in southern Adelaide.
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DISCLAIMER: All recommendations made by We Connect Property are general in nature and not to be relied upon as legal or financial advice. To ensure accuracy, we always strongly recommend seeking independent, professional advice tailored to your specific situation before making any investment or financial decisions.