Kerb appeal

WE ALL KNOW FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT, SO HOW BEST TO PRESENT THE FRONT OF OUR HOMES? WE ASKED A PAINT EXPERT, AN ESTATE AGENT AND A HOME STAGER

- JENNIFER MORGANE

First impressions count, we all know that, but we often forget about the outside of our beautifully styled interiors. Time to think kerbside, with help from our team of professionals: an estate agent, a homestager and a paint expert.

APPEAL FROM THE KERB

'Creating the ultimate in kerb appeal is a priority to impress visitors or if preparing to sell,' says Becky. 'It's a known fact that most potential buyers make up their mind in around 10 seconds.' Sarah adds, 'Kerb appeal is that instant emotional response when you look at the exterior of a property and something about it just works. It doesn't need to be grand or flashy.' Linda adds: 'It's the first thing anyone sees of your home or the first impression for friends and family when they come to visit.'

PUT IN THE EFFORT

'Over the past few years, people have started paying more attention to how their homes feel, just as much as how they function, and there's been a definite shift in how we view the outside of our homes,' says Sarah. 'The front of the house used to be overlooked, somewhere to keep the bins or park the car, but now it's becoming more of a statement, or a reflection of what's inside. I see far more people investing in carefully chosen pots or neatly painted woodwork. I think this isn't to impress anyone else, but to "lift" them. That lovely moment of coming home and thinking "this is mine and it feels good".'

DO IT JUST FOR YOU