You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression and this is even more important when you are selling. By spending a few hours improving the entrance you can create the right energy the moment buyers see your home for the first time – after all you want them to imagine themselves walking through your front door everyday, you want them to be passionate about your property.
Neat clean and cared for
The first thing to do is to make sure that everything looks clean and well cared for, so make sure roofing, gutters, windows, balustrades, driveways, footpaths, walls and garden areas are clean and in good repair and free of dirt and things like spider webs.
Enhance the doorway
If you have sufficient space, place a range of matching terracotta pots with plants against the wall near your entrance. For the average sized doorway use the pots up to a metre high. If your home is an older style, aged classic cone shaped pots with a rolled rim containing colourful flowers, like geraniums, will give a traditional welcome feeling. For more modern homes tall angular pots that taper downwards are very popular – add architectural plants like succulents for a dramatic effect.
Add some pots
Try and keep everything symmetrical. If you are using pots and plants to add interest, put one either side of the entrance or you might like to hang two matching lanterns for a warm glow. The trick is to keep it simple and not clutter the space.
Make the most of available light
Often hallways are narrow and dark. If your house suffers from this problem, try painting the walls white to lighten things up, or add a sky light. A broad runner will make a hallway seem wider.
Spruce up the front door
Your front door is the first thing your buyers see, so if it needs a lick of paint get out the brushes! You might also consider a new handle or knocker – this is an inexpensive way to update your door.
Pave the path to the front door
Guide buyers to your door with a paved pathway. Plain white pavers look terrific against a green lawn. If the steps to your front door look at a little shabby a great trick is to the tile the step rises, rather than ripping everything out and starting from scratch.
Maintain your privacy
In many areas, especially the inner city, security and privacy are selling points, so low to medium wall at the front of your house can appeal to buyers. Don’t forget to check with your local council to ensure all building regulations are met.
