Simple Ways Your Sellers Can Improve Their Front Entry

 April 10, 2015

First impressions are critical for buyers. If they don’t like what they see when they drive by a house, they will keep on driving. The first part of a home buyers see is the exterior – the lawn, driveway, garden, pathway, and front entry. Homeowners use their front entries on a daily basis and might overlook the area when staging. However, this can work against them. Advise your sellers to do the following to revamp their front entries and attract plenty of buyers.

Perk Up or Invest in a New Door

A dull and dingy door can cause buyers to run for the hills. A beautiful front door, on the other hand, can enhance curb appeal and make buyers want to come in. A new door adds to the value of a home and can help your sellers to get a better offer. Tell homeowners to choose front doors which have a lot of appeal like steel or wood doors. Steel doors are not as costly as other options and can make a home more energy-efficient. They also have a high ROI and do not need a lot of maintenance.

Paint the Front Door

Sellers on a tight budget should consider painting their front doors instead of replacing them. A fresh coat of paint can change a door from drab to fabulous. A bright door attracts buyers as they drive by or as they look at homes online. Be sure to tell sellers to choose paint colors that beautifully contrast with the trim and siding. As well, they should consider the styles of their homes when choosing exterior colors.

Update the Hardware

A doorbell, doorknob, knocker, and other door fixtures can greatly affect the look and feel of a front entry. Sellers who want to give their homes a modern feel can opt for slim electric locks while those going for a vintage look can install wrought iron locks. Advise sellers to think of aesthetics as well as security when choosing door locks. The locksets they get should have modern deadbolts.

Splurge on Stunning Features

If there is a place to splurge outdoors, it is the entryway. It gives buyers a lasting impression of a home. Sellers can add brightly colored step tiles, vintage vases with fresh plants, or designer door locks. A few tweaks can transform a bland entry into a showstopper.

Add a New Doormat

A lovely doormat can make buyers feel at home from the moment they step on the premises. It conveys a welcoming and friendly message and adds an air of sophistication. It also prevents dirt and debris from getting into a home during a showing. Welcome mats come in different materials, shapes, designs, and colors. Tell sellers to buy those which are stylish and blend in with the other features.

Decorate the Stoop

In good weather, homeowners spend a lot of time on their porches. Sellers should highlight this area because it is one buyers will scrutinize. If it is beautiful and comfortable, they will imagine themselves relaxing in the space. Porch decorating doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many things your sellers can do to make their stoops stand out from others on the street. They can buy colorful outdoor furniture, rearrange existing furniture, add potted plants, incorporate rugs, or integrate lighting.

Home sales are generally affected by three things: price, location, and condition. While your sellers may not be able to change the price or location of their properties, they can change the condition. Updating the front entry isn’t synonymous with breaking the bank, there are many cost-effective solutions sellers can try. Share the above tricks with them and you’ll both end up happy.


Ronique Gibson

By Ronique Gibson

Ronique Gibson is an Associate Architect and a LEED Accredited Professional, who has been in the design industry for over 13 years. She started her design blog in 2009 and today it has become a premier destination for helping homeowners with everyday lifestyle challenges. Her readers check in daily for help with their homes, DIY project ideas, recipes, crafts, and inspiration to beautify and enjoy their homes.