Improve your home’s curb side appeal

Scientific research suggests that you can develop a first impression of someone in as little as a tenth of a second (source)! While this may or may not be true of real estate, it does emphasise the need to pay attention to the curbside appeal of your home.

As human beings, we are naturally drawn to beauty in all its forms. The exterior of the home is the first impression any visitor will have of the property. Ensuring the exterior presents beautifully is as important, if not more important, than freshly made beds, crisp linen sheets, white towels and inviting aromas emanating from the kitchen.

With this in mind, how do we appeal to this very important sense when it comes to our homes? The exterior of the home includes the visual appearance or façade of the home as well as its landscaping. These elements tell the first story about the home.

So how do we create the “wow” factor?

Architectural style

This element hints at the type of resident that calls the property home and also gives us an indication of what one may expect to see inside, piquing our curiosity. Small details make a big difference to the aesthetic appeal of the home.

One notable example is Ravello (pictured at the top of this blog). It encapsulates West Indies and Caribbean contemporary style in a way that pays homage to the Caribbean region.

Tip: Try to make sure the beauty of the exterior is not marred by stains from run-off storm water or bird droppings. Power washing can be a very effective way to keep the exterior looking polished.

Landscaping

“Landscaping, in my opinion, is the most important element,” said Provenance Properties Sales Specialist Fleur Coleman, who added that you should think of landscaping as the decoration of your home. So often an older or simpler home can be utterly transformed with the use of lush flora. Having said that, it is important to keep the landscaping well manicured and looked after.

The Residences at Seafire enjoy some of the most beautiful landscaping on our island and it is often the landscaping that is cited as one of the most important purchase decisions for many of our buyers, Fleur noted.

Tip: Mulch, mulch and more mulch. This is a quick and easy way to breathe new life into planters and remember to keep the irrigation working properly to keep the garden well hydrated and looking lush.

Refuse and utilities

The last thing you want is for guests to see a messy refuse bin, a garden hose lying around, or large piles of old leaves. An easy way to achieve this is to put a small refuse area enclave tucked away at the far end of the property. That way it offers easy access for refuse removal services yet is far away enough from the front entrance of your home. Also, remember to switch outdoor lights on to make the home feel more inviting.

Tip: Keep the area regularly washed down and surrounded by hedging or plants to serve as camouflage.

About the author

Having joined Provenance Properties in 2019, Sales Specialist Ewelina Cimring prides herself on her commitment to delivering a high level of client and customer service. Ewelina has an intimate knowledge of the island, having moved to the Cayman Islands in 2015.

Born in Poland and raised in South Africa, she joins the real estate industry with over 15 years of experience in marketing, studying hotel management and receiving honours in marketing for the hospitality industry. Ewelina is a dedicated mother and friend; she is an embodiment of the Provenance Properties mission of allowing people to live their best lives in the Cayman Islands.

To get to know Ewe better, click to read our Q&A with her on all things Cayman Islands, client service and, of course, luxury real estate.