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Maximise Your Kerb Appeal: First Impressions That Help Sell Your Home
First impressions count. Here are our easy kerb appeal tips to help your home stand out from the moment buyers arrive - from front doors to flower pots and everything in between.
You only get one chance to make a first impression – and when it comes to selling your home, that first look could be the difference between a buyer booking a viewing… or scrolling on by.
At Tracy Thorne Estates, we’ve helped hundreds of sellers across Chislehurst, Sidcup and Bromley make simple, affordable changes that help homes stand out from the very first glance.
Here are our tried-and-tested kerb appeal tips to help your home make the right impression; before buyers even step inside.
1. Make Your Front Door Shine
The front door sets the tone – so make sure it’s clean, smart and welcoming.
- A fresh coat of paint in a modern colour (deep blue, charcoal or sage green all work well)
- Polish up the hardware – knockers, handles and letterboxes
- Clean or replace house numbers if they’re faded or missing
- Add a seasonal wreath or neat doormat to give it a homely touch
2. Tidy the Front Garden or Driveway
Buyers don’t expect perfection – but signs of care and maintenance go a long way.
- Cut the grass and edge the lawn neatly
- Weed driveways, flower beds and paths
- Hide wheelie bins if you can (behind screens or in side alleys)
- Sweep up leaves or debris, especially around the front step
3. Light It Up
If buyers are viewing in the evening or during shorter winter days, lighting matters.
- Check that your porch light works and isn’t full of cobwebs
- Replace dull or mismatched bulbs
- Consider subtle solar lights along the path for added atmosphere
4. Windows & Sills Matter
Grimy windows or cluttered window sills can make even a lovely home look unloved.
- Clean windows inside and out
- Wipe down window frames and sills
- Remove old stickers or sun-bleached blinds
5. Fix the Little Things
It’s easy to overlook small wear-and-tear when you see it every day – but buyers won’t.
- Repair cracked walls, broken fencing or damaged brickwork
- Oil squeaky gates and hinges
- Check that locks, bells and letterboxes work smoothly
- Even just one or two pots can make a difference.
6. Add a Bit of Life
- Add planters or hanging baskets with seasonal flowers
- Stick to easy-care plants like lavender, heather or geraniums
- Make sure anything you add is tidy and well-watered
You Don’t Need to Spend Big
Kerb appeal isn’t about massive makeovers – it’s about showing buyers that your home has been cared for and loved. Often, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.
If you’re not sure where to start, we’re happy to pop round and offer advice as part of your free valuation.
📞 0208 304 0997
📧 property@tracythorne-estates.co.uk
Serving Chislehurst, Bromley, Sidcup and surrounding areas