Recent data shows that Australia's housing market is very strong, with house prices and demand both rising strongly during 2015. However, this upward trend isn't much comfort if you're the owner of a home that just won't sell. Since the national housing market clearly isn't the problem, perhaps you're simply not doing enough to make your home appear attractive to buyers? Here are some tips to raise the curb appeal of your property and give prospective buyers a good first impression.

1. Clean It Up 

When you are used to seeing your home every day, you might not notice the dirt that builds up over time. Go outside and take a careful look at your home. If there is grime on the walls, doors, window frames or garage doors, that could be turning off prospective buyers. Using a pressure water, or even just a bucket of soapy water and a sponge, to wash down your home could make it more attractive.

2. Refresh the Paint

Peeling paint makes your home look rundown and shabby, which isn't the impression you want to give prospective buyers. Repaint the porch, window frames and doors in a neutral color to make your home more appealing.

3. Landscape the Garden

A well-maintained garden can be a major selling point for a family home, but no buyer wants to take on a jungle of weeds. It's time to pull on your gardening gloves and neaten up the garden. Prune shrubs and trees that are growing out of control, banish weeds from the flower beds and mow the lawn. You may even want to add some plants in containers or hanging planters to create a more homely appearance.

4. Light Up Your Home

Don't let your curb appeal fall when the sun goes down. Add a porch light above your door to make your home look welcoming and secure. Buyers who pass your home in the late evening will be able to see its architectural features, which could persuade them to investigate further.

5. Keep It Tidy

Keep the exterior of your home as tidy as possible. Keep garbage cans out of sight and tidy your kids' toys away from the lawn whenever they aren't using them. If garbage blows into your yard from the street, pick it up immediately so your home always looks pristine.

Increasing the curb appeal of your home could help you secure a quicker sale. If you've been struggling to sell your home, consider investing some time in cleaning, repainting and landscaping.

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