How a wellkept garden could help you sell your home

By the Beresfords Marketing Team - 28th March 2016

Denise Morris, Chairman of the Essex branch of the National Association of Estate Agents and Beresfords Ingatestone Branch Manager, tells us why when it comes to outside space, it pays to be a little creative!

We've all heard the age-old saying 'You never get a second chance to make a good first impression' - and this is especially true when it comes to selling a property.

Pulling up at a house with an immaculate garden will certainly appeal to potential buyers. Not only will it create a good first impression but will also give an idea of what the inside of the house is like too. If your garden is untidy and unloved, it would be easy to assume that inside the house is the same.

Here are my recommendations on how to make that all important great first impression. Fortunately you don't need to spend much money as the problems are usually cosmetic:

1 - Cut the grass and prune bushes
This is a quick and easy fix and takes minimal effort.

2 - Clean the patio
A few hours with the jet washer can make a big difference.

3 - Tidy up!
Pop the kid's toys in the shed, you want to appeal to all types of buyers. Those with or without kids

4 - Spruce up the front of your house with a couple of containers featuring seasonal bedding plants
Colourful containers will add a homely touch and add a bit of cheer - essential if you are trying to sell in the middle of winter. You could also consider hanging baskets, which will help to break up the monotony of walls or draw attention away from less attractive finishes.

5 - Plant some colour
If you have flower beds plant something colourful to make these areas attractive and remove any weeds.

6 - For the more green fingered, you perhaps need to think about the maintenance of your garden
Although you might fancy yourself as the next Alan Titchmarsh, this is not necessarily the case for everyone! Having said that, a garden that features a mix of interesting shrubs and colourful plants might appeal or even inspire potential purchasers.

7 - If you have large trees in your garden, ensure they are well kept and trimmed
They could hinder the front of your property; they will distract from the house and block light from the inside of the house.

8 - These days lots of people are looking for outside living space
You can go mad with fire pits, outside kitchens and patio heaters, however, a neatly presented BBQ  with seating area will allow people to envisage themselves on that hot summers evening with a glass of wine!

9 - Garden ornaments
Not everyone might have your love of garden gnomes. De-cluttering the outside of your house is just as important as the inside.

10 - Invasive plants
Knowledgeable buyers might be put off by plants that have an ability to get out of control. Especially if they have the potential to uproot patios or attract pests.