The Sunday News
YOU have come to that all-important decision to sell your house. Perhaps you have a house that is excess to your needs, but more likely your housing needs have changed.
You could be moving to a different part of the country, or even a different part of the world. We live in a time where this has become increasing more common. Perhaps your family has grown and you are looking to buy a larger property. Many families find that they need to ‘‘down-size’’ because the children have grown and left home.
For whatever reason, you now find yourself in the position that you now want to sell your home.
Obviously, we all hope to achieve the best price possible and we would like to complete this sale quickly, and with as little hassle as possible.
How do we do this?
The best way to start is to try and look at your property, objectively. A purchaser is generally not very interested in the sentimental feelings you have for your home, and they certainly do not want to pay for them.
Start by looking at your property’s “curb appeal”. What does your home look like from the street?
This is your home’s first impression with anyone who comes to see your house.
What do they see as they pull up? Are you in a good neighbourhood? Is the road itself in good shape, or do they have to negotiate a terrible series of potholes to gain access to your address. What does the wall look like? Does it seem to be a secure property?
Is there trash and rubbish collected by the wall and gate? Is the outside of the wall landscaped and have the appearance of being well groomed and taken care of? What does the gate look like? Is the address clearly and pleasantly marked? This may seem like a lot of questions about a property that we have not yet even had access to.
But like the adage says, “You can only make one good first impression”. The curb appeal is your house’s first impression.
The amazing thing is that often you can affect your property without spending much money. Clear all litter and rubbish.
Plant a few plants. Neatly trim back any unruly shrubs or bushes. When you mow the yard on the inside, remember to mow outside, too.
Fill any nearby potholes.
Maybe the wall and gate is looking very tired. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders.
I once realised that my gate was looking very faded and old. When I rubbed my finger on the metal of the gate, there was a darker shade underneath the surface.
I realised that there was a cloudy film of oxidation on the gate, which was dulling the paint.
I took a small amount of car polish, with a little work, my gate looked years younger and seemed to be freshly painted. Make sure that the driveway is swept and clear.
These simple tips take some effort and a little work but can easily increase your home’s curb appeal, that first impression for any prospective buyer.
A home with no curb appeal, which projects a bad first impression, will always be more difficult to sell. Do yourself a favour and increase your home’s curb appeal.
– Jonathan Thompson is a registered Real Estate Agent who works in Bulawayo.
He has nine years of experience in Real Estate in the USA, and another 10 years’ experience in Bulawayo.
He is the founder and the managing director of Thompson Properties (Pvt) Ltd.
