How boosting your curb appeal can add value to your home

Your home's exterior is like the cover of a book - it sets the stage for what is inside. Mike Greeff, CEO of Greeff Christie's International Real Estate says: ''whether you're interested in selling or just want to make some improvements for your own enjoyment, adding curb appeal is often an easy and inexpensive way to make your house look nicer and boost its value''.

Boosting your home's curb appeal is a really important factor to consider when preparing to sell. Below are a few simple ways to ensure your property gives an excellent first impression to potential buyers, while also boosting its value.

1. Revamp your front door

As the entrance way to your home, your front door makes a statement about the entire property. Improving your front door is fairly simple. A quick refinishing can rejuvenate weather-beaten wood, while using metal polish on the door fixtures can remove the rust and dirty spots making an old door look new. Consider a fresh coat of paint - this allows you to add some colour and character to your home.

2. Create a pathway

One of the most underrated yet most efficient ways to improve your curb-appeal is by laying down a clearly marked foot path. It is essential that when you design and build your path that you get the width correct - more often than not, pathways can be too narrow so ensure that you leave enough room for two people to walk side by side.

There are various kinds of walkways, just choose what suits you and your home best. If you're stumped on which design to go with, here are a few ideas:

• Stepping-stone walkways
• Flagstone walkways
• Brick walkways
• Gravel walkways

3. Manicure the front garden

A well-maintained front garden will make a house look well cared for and in buyers' minds, a well-cared for exterior means a well-kept interior. It does not take much to trim back an overgrown garden, but it will vastly improve its charm. Make sure to rid your garden of unwanted weeds early in the season before their roots grow too deep and spread throughout.

4. Upgrade old and worn fixtures

It's time to toss out all your dingy and outdated hardware i.e. house number, overhead lighting and mailbox. These are just a few elements that that can add style and interest to your home's exterior curb appeal and if they are tatty and rusted, it may not be conveying the aesthetic you would like.

• Swap out a dated mailbox with something more stylish. It's a super easy project and can make an understated but noticeable difference in your home's curb appeal.
• Quickly modernise the look of your home by removing your old house numbers and replacing them with something that has a bit more panache. Choose a font that aligns with the architecture of your home but that is also distinctive enough to really grab the eye.

5. Add a welcoming seating area

Adding a very simple bench or chair to the front steps, stoep or lawn close to the pathway gives the potential buyer a little nudge to stop, sit and enjoy your surroundings. This allows them time to imagine themselves living in the home and build that much-needed connection with the property.

The great thing about sprucing up your entrance is that it does not require a team of workers, a crazy amount of time or a lot of money. Choose a Saturday, grab your inexpensive essentials and voilà, your grand entrance has been made!