Get a foot in sales door

KERB appeal, street appeal, the first impression – these are well used phrases and we understand them.

But, we do not seem to take them too seriously, otherwise our residential streets would all be manicured, design savvy, stylish and faultless.

This week, I would like to concentrate on one very specific area of the first impression of any home.

Sometimes, in all the fuss to tidy the yard, fix the gutters, repair the fence or paint the windows this prime element is overlooked.

But it is a key part of the overall aesthetic of the facade of the home.

The entrance door is the way into the home, the feature that you cannot ignore.

It is the one element that can tell you so much in advance about the home and even start the negative or positive initial ‘feel’ about it. Selling is all about the details and the right impressions and this is not some item buried away in a secondary room or a design feature that some strategic planting can disguise.

Honestly are you happy with your entrance door?

Does it reflect the home in a positive way? Here are my tips to ensure it does.

• Screen doors; I know we love them and that they fulfil a very practical purpose, but the standard screen door does nothing except date and cheapen the look of your home. For selling, remove it. In heritage homes there are choices of classic screens and this can actually enhance the aesthetics sometimes.

For a more modern home where a screen door is essential go for clear mesh types, which are more expensive but worth every dollar.

If you have attractive entry doors, hiding them behind a screen is not ideal.

• Your entry door should represent and complement the style of your home, not clash.

A contemporary home should have a door to suit that style, classic homes the same.

Timber doors are great, but ensure this is not the only timber detail in the facade, garage or fencing.

If you have an entry door shielded from the street by a front courtyard, consider glass doors, which give a clear view of the courtyard.

Painted doors often feature colours such as a dark or soft grey or off black. Any colour you discover that is on trend can look great.

• Locks and handles need to sparkle and suit the style of the door and home.

No squeaks, no struggling to open or close the door and if there is glass involved, that should shine too.

Clear glass strangely always has the edge on style but if this is simply not practical consider frosted glass to give a clean modern look.

This frosted glass doesn’t have to be solid, but in panels or edged in clear glass, this can add the privacy you need with real style.

• Size and scale can mean a modest townhouse may only have the space for a standard door, but often you can create a grander look in a conventional home when the door has side panels.

Consider a new wider door and suddenly the home’s entry will take on a whole new image. Double, extra wide doors are always preferable over the standard door and side panels and make life a lot easier when you move.

• Designs and styles are endless and even major DIY stores have a huge range.

Wider and taller doors all come with a premium cost but the impression of style and quality will be set. If you want to know where to start, look at property adverts in print and online and check out your neighbours for inspiration.

Selling, renovating or simply continuing to live in – consider your entry door and help the aesthetic of your street.

Picture: THINKSTOCK OPEN HOUSE: The front door and entrance to your home makes a lasting impression on potential buyers.