A survey of people buying properties through the Peard Real Estate Group has found that more than 90% or nine out of every ten buyers make their initial decision to purchase a property based on the outside presentation of the home.
According to Stuart Cox, Managing Director of the Peard Real Estate Group, the company regularly surveys property buyers to assist clients achieve the best selling price for their property.
"It is ultimately buyers who determine the value of a property and that is why it is important to have a good understanding of their decision making process when marketing a property for sale.
"During the summer months, the number of properties listed for sale traditionally surges especially in the coastal areas of Perth. "If you are therefore selling a home, our survey shows that the key issue you should consider is the streetscape where the home is located.
"The streetscape of a home is very important to potential buyers because it is the first impression they get. Whilst you may not be able to judge a book by its cover, buyers certainly judge a home by its streetscape. The thought process is usually if it is untidy or unpleasant from the outside, it must be untidy or unpleasant on the inside.
"To further highlight this fact, similar homes in the same suburb can vary significantly in price depending on the overall presentation of the streetscape. "A home that is better presented from the outside usually sells faster and for a higher price than a similar home that is poorly presented.
"If you are looking to improve the presentation of your home, then you should walk across the street and have a look at it from a buyers viewpoint. How does it look? How does it compare with others in the street? Would you stop and go inside to have a look if you were a buyer?
"There is an old saying in real estate sales - 'you don't get a second chance to make a first impression,' so the street presentation of your home is critical.
"Gardens that are in poor condition give an indication that the overall home is in poor condition. Gardening is something that is inexpensive to do because the home seller can undertake much of this work themselves.
"Make sure the gutters on the house are clean and have a fresh coat of paint if necessary. You can potentially add thousands of dollars to the value of the home just by getting the street appeal right," he said.