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9 The Power of Curb Appeal: Enhancing Your Home's Exterior to Boost its Market Value In the world of real estate, first impressions matter. Potential buyers often form opinions about a property within seconds of arriving, and the exterior appearance of a home plays a crucial role in shaping these initial perceptions. Joe Farr, your local 4216 agent from Farr Real Estate knows all about the art of enhancing a home's exterior to make it more attractive to potential buyers and, ultimately, boost its market value. Curb appeal encompasses a wide range of elements, from the condition of the landscaping to the appearance of the front door. Experts agree that investing time and resources into improving curb appeal can pay off handsomely when it comes time to sell a property. “One of the most fundamental aspects of curb appeal is landscaping. A well-maintained lawn, neatly trimmed hedges, and colourful flower beds can instantly elevate the appearance of a home's exterior”, says Joe. “Homeowners should ensure that their landscaping is tidy and well-groomed, as unkempt greenery can give the impression of neglect.” In addition to landscaping, attention should be paid to the condition of the home's exterior surfaces. Investing in a fresh coat of paint, a pressure wash, or making necessary repairs can go a long way toward improving the exterior appearance of a home and increasing its market value. Joe points out that the front entryway is another focal point of curb appeal. An inviting entrance can create a positive first impression and set the tone for the rest of the home. Simple enhancements such as updating the front door, adding decorative lighting fixtures, and a nice “welcome” mat can make a significant difference in the overall aesthetic appeal of a property. In today's digital age, curb appeal extends beyond physical appearances to include online presentation as well. With the majority of homebuyers beginning their search for properties online, it's essential for sellers to showcase their home's exterior in its best light through high-quality photographs and virtual tours. Professional photography and a stunning front yard can capture the attention of potential buyers and generate more interest in the property. Simple improvements such as adding fresh mulch to flower beds, updating outdoor lighting fixtures, or installing a new mailbox can make a big impact without breaking the bank. The power of curb appeal should not be underestimated when it comes to selling a home. By enhancing the exterior appearance of a property, homeowners can attract more buyers, command higher sale prices, and ultimately achieve greater success in the real estate market. If you’re getting ready to sell, your local expert agent Joe Farr can pop around to give you personalised advice on preparing your home for sale. You can reach Joe at Farr Real Estate on 55 007 007 or 0422 400 680. see advert front cover Congrats December Winners! $50 GIFT CARD SUDOKU 201: S. Ross, Labrador CROSSWORD 201: S. Jones, Oremau THE WINNER BOOK COMPETITION S. Heyden, Ormeau Hills | V. Inglis, Maudsland D. Fleming, Ormeau | P. Peters, Jacobs Well M. Montgomery, Helensvale TINA TURNER STAR CASINO H. Alcock, Hollywell | J. Briscoe, Ormeau V. Jolliffe, Runaway Bay | G. Stephenson, Nerang K. McKellar, Surfers Paradise Congratulations to our winners! We receive hundreds of entries for our competitions each month so keep on entering, you might be the next lucky winner! BOOK GIVEAWAY TWO WAYS TO ENTER ... EITHER POST OR EMAIL... POST: Write your name, address & phone on the back of an envelope and post to: Winners book prize will be couriered so please provide a phone number. You may put phone number inside envelope if you are worried about scams... thankyou! Enter To Win THE GIRLS BEFORE By Kate Alice Marshall THE GIRLS BEFORE PO Box 3302, Burleigh Town 4220 OR EMAIL: info@localnewsletters.com with THE WINNER in the SUBJECT LINE. Please include your name, address and phone number in the email • Entries close 10.03.2026 From the bestselling author of What Lies in the Woods, No One Can Know, and A Killing Cold, a new novel about a search & rescue expert, a kidnapped woman, and the lost girls who haunt them both. There is a girl in a basement. The door has stopped opening. The light is gone. Stranger is trapped in the dark, with only her imagination and the scribbles on the wall left by long-dead girls to keep her company. Nearly out of food and water, she makes one last attempt to escape. But if the door opens at last, will it mean salvation, or only the beginning of her fight to survive? Audrey is a search and rescue expert who never stopped looking for her best friend, Janie, who disappeared when they were teenagers. Janie used to love the local legend of a forest witch who saves girls from bad men, but Audrey knows now that for every one saved, there’s always another one lost. When she stumbles upon evidence in the forest that a teenage runaway might have actually been kidnapped from land belonging to the town’s most prominent family, she must dig through decades of secrets to reveal the biggest one of all: what happened to the girls before? ISBN: 9781761778193 | Format: Trade Paperback | Pub Date: 24/02/2026 | Category: Thriller / Suspense, Modern & Contemporary Fiction (Post C 1945), FICTION / Thrillers / General, FICTION / General | Imprint: Macmillan Australia | Price: $34.99 | Pages: 320 |

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