This is the impression you get from driving past a house.
Does it look nice? Does it look tired and tatty?
If you go past houses on your street which looks the best?
Does the one with neat hedges look better than the one with unkempt
hedges?
Does the one with hanging baskets look better than the one with the
unpainted gutters and window frames?
Does the one with sparkly windows look better than the one with a
boarded up window?
Does the one with a nice neat swing play set in the garden look better
than the one with a clapped out old car on the drive?
Next time you're outside have a look at your house and your neighbours
house. Sometimes it's not your house or garden that's the problem.
For getting a sale sometimes you have to go above and beyond and although
I wouldn't suggest painting the neighbours house, you might consider
giving them a one off hand with their garden!
If your house is next to a scruffy one this will impact on your house
sale. Ask the neighbour if they'll give their garden a spring clean
- be polite and nice though - explain you're looking at moving and
you think it'd help. Offer to trim hedges or weed their garden! An
hours work might pay handsomely on your house sale.
Clean the windows and make sure the outside of your home is well maintained.
Get some planters or hanging baskets (You can take them with you!)
and make the outside of your house more attractive.
Move refuse bins to the rear of the property, or build a bin-store
to hide them. Although we all have to deal with our rubbish people
don't want to see 4 big bins stood outside their potential new home!
Even if you always leave them at the front - stop doing this until
your house is sold!
Weed paths and jet-wash if they're looking tired. Adding gravel to
top up a drive or bark to flower beds can change the look of a garden
and hide a multitude or sins.
If you've got a drive then how many cars can you park on it? Make
sure you have a dropped kerb though as local authorities are very
strict on you having one! Keep the drive clear and weed free!
definition of kerb appeal - how nice a house looks as you go past.
Sometimes a quick walk round your local area gives you ideas and inspiration
for making your own house look nicer! If you think a neighbours house
looks nicer than yours can you work out why? Apply the same changes
to your property!
Some streets have got together and painted their properties
all at the same time. This gives the street a fresh co-ordinated look
which adds value to every home!