A house with curb appeal stands out from the rest and help you to sell it faster. In a buyers’ market, this is even more important than in a sellers’ market. 

Colour

 Colour is a powerful tool when used correctly. A facade with a beautiful colour combination is extremely pleasing. When choosing exterior paint, look to your landscape for inspiration. Also keep in mind that the colour of your trim should complement the colour of your roof. Save brights for outdoor accessories or small areas. A colourful market umbrella, porch chair, painted bird feeder or striped retractable awning are attractive ways to spruce up the front of your house and not offend some buyers.

Entrance

 A welcoming entrance area creates a charming greeting. Paint your front door with a strong colour so that it stands out from the rest of the house. Embellish the door further with a knocker, polished-metal kick-plate and an inviting, homey touch like a wreath, bunch of pussy willows or basket of flowers. A new railing will add panache to an old porch, as will attractive wicker or teak furniture and accessories like flower-filled planters.

 Make a small entryway more inviting with a pair of urns, planter boxes or ivy-covered trellis panels flanking the entrance, or display a hurricane lamp on a table next to the door.

Lighting

 Even simple outdoor lighting will bring your home to life at night.

 To create drama, install lighting along a walkway, between shrubbery or in trees – with the new LED lighting options available this is now much simpler and cheaper than it used to be.  Design indoor lighting to convey warmth and interest when viewed from outside. For instance, a light in a small round attic window lends character to a home’s exterior. 

Landscaping

 Landscaping is a very effective way to add colour, beauty, vitality and personality. Define a walkway by embedding stepping stones into the grass or gravel. A brick path surrounded by an overgrown all-white garden looks simple and elegant. A rose- or clematis-covered arbour or pergola makes a lasting impression. Fences are another option for creating individual style – try a white picket fence for a cottage look, wrought iron for stately elegance and tall wood slats for privacy.

Co-written with Martin Breeze, Mortgage Broker, TMG The Mortgage Group