Q: MY current Estate Agent tells me that a number of potential buyers are ‘driving past’ my property but after further consideration are deciding not to book an internal viewing!

Is there anything I can do to help change this?

Mrs T, Bussage.

A: People are always told not to judge a book by its cover, but with property, first impressions are extremely important. Use these top tips to give your property serious kerb appeal:

1. The approach

No one wants to stumble through a gate falling off its hinges, unless you are selling a ‘project’. If you are replacing it, choose a suitable gate for your property; does wood or wrought iron work best?, for example. If you’re painting your current gate, the aim is to be appealing but in keeping. Think neutral colours for a fresh, palatable look. Tidy the path up, by removing any weeds and cleaning the edges. Trim the grass or plants neatly or sweeping the stones off the path.

2. A touch of green

Many people love quirky, off-beat looks, but consider giving your front door some symmetry with a matching set of shrubs or hanging baskets. It can create a clean, precise look and be pleasing to the eye. Alternatively, layer some plants around your porch to give depth and definition. Having a selection of plants in various pots gives a ‘garden’ feel, while keeping the look casual and contemporary. It will also give a low-maintenance and achievable feel. Remember even the most polished, modern homes will be softened by some greenery, breaking the aspect up.

3. The front door

Take a closer look at your door fittings and be objective. If you don’t want to press your finger into a broken doorbell or use a rusty door knocker, no one else is likely to! Choose something in keeping with your home. Think about whether a knocker or a door bell is more in-keeping and a nice clean handle is a good starting point. Also, take a look at the door itself. Start by giving it a good clean and remove dust and cobwebs which have built up. You could also give it a new lease of life with a fresh, colour. Avoid neon pinks or florescent green, but you can be bolder than you think to give your property some character. When it comes to the welcome mat, opt for something simple and welcoming. A personalised mat may put people off when trying to imagine your property as their home.

4. General tidy up

There is no need to have your children’s summer toys strewn all over the garden or piled in the sandpit, collect them and store them away. Your potential buyers may not have children, which could make the toys extremely off-putting. Remove weeds in any plant beds, mow the lawn and tidy the edges up. Even if you aren’t into gardening, there is no need for it to look messy. Don’t forget to take a good look at your windows – they should be clean.

5. Guttering

General tidying up is one thing, but the guttering needs your attention. Get your rubber gloves out or call someone who can help you; you should replace it if absolutely necessary. It’s something we often put off, but a gutter full of leaves and black muck will be one of the first things people notice. If you have gone to the effort of cleaning the rest of the house, the guttering should match.

6. Lighting

There will undoubtedly be some viewers who do a late evening ‘drive-by’. Light your property – give it a homely glow that looks inviting on a winter’s evening. There’s no need for neon uplighters which upset everyone on the street. Instead, some subtle solar lights along the path, or well-chosen lamps by your front door will look lovely.

7. Don’t forget the garage

If your garage and its door is visible when approaching your house, it is definitely part of your kerb appeal. Again, give the door a good clean to freshen it up – although you should get the paint brush out if you need to. Plants are another way to style and hide the garage a little, making if feel like part of your home rather than an ugly, forgotten extension.

8. Hide your rubbish

Following a thorough clean and tidy, you’re likely to have lots of rubbish – don’t leave it out in piles for people to see! Think ahead and clean and declutter before any visits and in time for bin collection day. Of course you can’t predict when you may have a viewing, but you should be prepared to let people in whenever.

9. The pavement

The street outside your home may not be your responsibility, but it is part of the viewing experience. You can’t possibly control it all, but there are some things you can do. If you live on a leafy street, sweep away the dead leaves. If your neighbours bins are strewn all over the path, straighten them up. The little details might just help.

Please continue to send in your property related questions to clive@sawyersestateagents.co.uk