Estate agents often talk about ‘road appeal’ or ‘curb appeal’ of a home to sellers. 

Gavin says curb appeal starts with the garden and driveway - it’s the first impression a buyer will get and these impressions last.

“This is because a home that doesn’t look like it has been looked after from the outside, doesn’t give the buyer much confidence in its internal appearance and condition,” says Grant Gavin of RE/MAX Panache which operates in the Durban North and La Lucia areas on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast. 

He says curb appeal starts with the garden and driveway - it’s the first impression a buyer will get and these impressions last.  

“Simple maintenance like ensuring the driveway is free from weeds and overgrown/un-kept bushes and plants are important. Garages are often used for the storage of clutter, and therefore it’s a good idea to clean out the garage or for garage doors to be closed to hide this space from the road,” he says. 

Another important fact that Gavin mentions is that gardens can in fact sell houses. “And gardens that are kept in good condition and free from weeds and other alien plants can create a lasting impression on the buyers, particularly for families with kids to whom garden space would factor heavily in influencing the buying decision.” 

He says that buyers like to imagine what their life would be like in your home, and a dirty, sandy garden doesn’t do much to help create a good mental picture. “Spring is a great time to get a garden makeover: make sure the garden gets plenty of water and you could never go wrong with a few new plants and flowers.  

Also, don’t neglect the pool, says Gavin, as a green pool is very off-putting to purchasers, and “it doesn’t cost much to keep it looking crystal clear and free from leaves”. 

Before selling spring cleaning is essential as clutter makes a home look smaller than it really is. “Most real estate agents who use professional home staging services will tell you that clutter is the first thing that needs to be removed from a home if you are serious about selling.”

He suggests getting some boxes from the local grocery store to start packing it all away.  “Remember, once you’ve sold, you’re going to have to pack it up anyway, so why not start early and get your home looking good for prospective purchasers – you may even achieve a better asking price as a result.” 

Gavin also says that it’s amazing what a coat of paint can do for a property. “The same could be said for steam cleaned carpets and a fresh bunch of flowers in the entrance hall.”  

Gavin says if sellers take care of their homes and ensure that the property is in good condition, buyers will always be more attracted to the home on an emotional level.  “Selling homes definitely relies on emotion, and sellers, who can present a home that is cared for, and in good condition, will always give themselves a better chance of selling.” 

Adrian Goslett, CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says that despite making a decision that they want to sell their home, many sellers are often unprepared when it comes to showing their house in the best possible light to potential buyers. “Being prepared and having your home in tip-top shape as soon as you have decided to sell it will give you the greatest chance of getting the right buyer to sign on the dotted line.” 

While finishing touches might not always allow sellers to add to their selling prices especially in the upper end of the market, Gavin says one thing is for certain: a lack of finishing touches can most certainly prevent sellers from achieving their price or even from concluding the sale.  

If sellers cut costs on things like kitchen and bathroom taps, basins, mirrors, door handles and even light fittings, it can take a lot away from the overall impression of the property, he says.  “Good quality finishes are expected in the upper price range, and therefore when these items fall short of buyer’s expectations, it will have an impact on the offer to purchase.” 

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