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For the sake of argument, let’s assume you have a home that’s valued at $400,000 and you could add 10% to the sale price. That’s an additional $40,000 in your pocket, minus expenses!
I’d say that’s a good deal, wouldn’t you? Even better, you can gain that value cheaply through landscaping!
Remember, the first thing potential buyers for your property see is the exterior of the house and the yard itself. The old rule that "you have 10 seconds to make a first impression" applies here.
If buyers see a well-maintained exterior and a well-groomed yard, well, then you’re one step closer to making a sale at a price you want! If they see a poorly maintained home and yard, well, your chances of a sale plummet badly.
So, let’s talk about landscaping and what you can do to add value to your home cheaply! Below, I provide you with some common-sense tips.
Tip 1: Clean Up the Clutter
I know this can be hard if you have kids, but you want to create the impression of neatness on potential buyers. Things like bicycles, toys, creaky old lawn furniture, overstuffed garbage cans, etc. create a negative “vibe” that can be hard to overcome.
Tip 2: Care for Your Lawn the Correct Way
Of course, fertilize your lawn a minimum of once a year and, ideally, three times. Use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. Here’s another important point – don’t cut the grass too short. By “scalping” your lawn, you can end up creating unsightly bare spots.
If buyers see a well-maintained exterior and a well-groomed yard, well, then you’re one step closer to making a sale at a price you want! If they see a poorly maintained home and yard, well, your chances of a sale plummet badly.
So, let’s talk about landscaping and what you can do to add value to your home cheaply! Below, I provide you with some common-sense tips.
Tip 1: Clean Up the Clutter
I know this can be hard if you have kids, but you want to create the impression of neatness on potential buyers. Things like bicycles, toys, creaky old lawn furniture, overstuffed garbage cans, etc. create a negative “vibe” that can be hard to overcome.
Tip 2: Care for Your Lawn the Correct Way
Of course, fertilize your lawn a minimum of once a year and, ideally, three times. Use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. Here’s another important point – don’t cut the grass too short. By “scalping” your lawn, you can end up creating unsightly bare spots.
Instead, be sure to mow only one third of the height of lawn each time you get the mower out. This helps the grass develop strong roots and fend off pests and weeds.
Tip 3: Trim and Edge!
Trimming and edging give your lawn the finishing touch, making it look as neat and well cared for as possible.So, edge the main lawn areas and trim around patios, flowerbeds, decks, and other landscape features. Use the trimmer correctly and don’t let it cut into trees or “scalp off” grass at the ground level.
Tip 4: Remove Bad Planting Choices
If some unfortunate planting choices were made by the previous owner (or you put some in that you don’t like now,) either trim them or get rid of them.
If you decide on new plantings, talk to your local nursery expert about the correct choices and how much care they’ll require.
Tip 3: Trim and Edge!
Trimming and edging give your lawn the finishing touch, making it look as neat and well cared for as possible.So, edge the main lawn areas and trim around patios, flowerbeds, decks, and other landscape features. Use the trimmer correctly and don’t let it cut into trees or “scalp off” grass at the ground level.
Tip 4: Remove Bad Planting Choices
If some unfortunate planting choices were made by the previous owner (or you put some in that you don’t like now,) either trim them or get rid of them.
If you decide on new plantings, talk to your local nursery expert about the correct choices and how much care they’ll require.
Tip 5: Create a Point of Emphasis
By this, I mean that you can plant a flowering tree that stands out…line your walkway with flowering plants….frame the front door with annual flowers of bright color…and so forth. With these plantings, you emphasize the beauty of your home and make that home stand out in the neighborhood.
Most of these items are inexpensive and provide a great return in terms of increased home value. Plus, there’s a bonus – it can be great fun to do all these plantings!
Need more suggestions on how use to use landscaping to increase the value of your home? Contact us today , and we’ll have a wonderful time discussing one of my favorite subjects!
By this, I mean that you can plant a flowering tree that stands out…line your walkway with flowering plants….frame the front door with annual flowers of bright color…and so forth. With these plantings, you emphasize the beauty of your home and make that home stand out in the neighborhood.
Most of these items are inexpensive and provide a great return in terms of increased home value. Plus, there’s a bonus – it can be great fun to do all these plantings!
Need more suggestions on how use to use landscaping to increase the value of your home? Contact us today , and we’ll have a wonderful time discussing one of my favorite subjects!
