Ugly front door? Paint it and sell your home faster

When it comes to making a first impression, you only have one shot.

A potential buyer is assessing your Edmonton home for sale from the moment they drive up to it. A nicely landscaped front yard is the first thing they see. After that, an eye-popping paint colour on your front door will grab their attention and set the stage for what lies beyond.

What Buyers Remember

If buyers are out touring around Edmonton neighbourhoods, give them a front door they'll remember. When discussing which properties they liked most, imagine these people saying "remember the house with the blue front door?" That could be your home they're talking about. It's much better than recalling the lesser qualities of your home, like "remember the house with the brown carpet" or "remember the house with the old bathtub."

Be Bold

Make that first impression with a bold front door colour. Freshly and professionally painted, your front door will give the impression that your home is well maintained, not neglected. It will set the tone for the rest of your home and give buyers the expectation that what lies inside is just as positive as the outside. Most want to know that they house is ready for them to move in. You don't want a potential buyer to start making a list in the mind of what needs to be done.

Give Buyers an Eyeful

Your front door is what a potential buyer will be examining while the agent is opening the lock box to retrieve the key or passcode. If it's dirty, with chipping paint, scratches from the dog, cob webs and even if the front step has a dirty mat and dead leaves swirling around your feet, what does that say to the buyer about your home?

Get the Right Paint

If you are painting the door yourself, make sure you get the correct paint that will bond with the current finish you have on your door. Discuss your needs with a professional at your hardware store or home improvement centre. You only want to do this job once, so do it correctly. Use painter's tape so there are no paint marks on the window of your front door. Make sure the glass is as clean as you can possibly get it.

To Paint or Not to Paint

If your front door is made of a natural wood, perhaps painting over that beautiful grain would almost be criminal. Mid-century homes, or even older homes, have solid wood doors that a buyer may find charming. Maybe a light sanding is all you need or a touch up if it's been stained in the past. A new door handle might do the trick. Dress up your front porch with an outdoor arrangement to distract the potential buyer's eye if the front door is something you can't attend to. How does your mailbox look? Would a more modern mail box and even new house numbers give that same impression of care and attention? At the very least, paint the door jam and the threshold around the door in an older home.

What about your Screen Door

Your screen door should be in good repair with no rips or tears, especially if you have a pet. Scrub the exterior of your door and clean the glass. If the outside of your screen door has black scuff marks, an SOS pad or baking soda often works like a charm. Consider replacing an extremely outdated screen door. They are not as expensive as your interior door. You may not have to replace the entire door if the spring mechanism is the only thing that requires repair. This mechanism can be purchased separately from your local hardware store.