Did you know that landscaping can make or break your home’s attractiveness to prospective buyers? It not only contributes to your home’s curb appeal, but it shows prospective home buyers that you take pride in your home. That feeling extends far beyond your yard!
Some homeowners prefer more landscaping, while others prefer a simpler look that is easier to maintain. If you are thinking about selling your home this spring, here’s what you need to know about how landscaping can make or break someone’s interest in your home.
- MAKE IT: A lot of home buyers choose landscaping that can add functionality and resale value, instead of just being pretty and adding hours of weekly maintenance to their “to do” lists. Large trees, for example, can create shade, making your house cooler but also creating a fun place for your children to play – while adding beauty to your yard.
- BREAK IT: Too much landscaping can deter some potential home buyers. While a well-groomed yard can add to a home’s beauty, it can scare off home buyers who don’t want the additional maintenance and upkeep.
- MAKE IT: Attractive landscaping can add value to a house, possibly reducing the time it is on the market. It can add up to 28% to your home’s value, according to landscape economist John Harris in this HouseLogic article.
- BREAK IT: If you’re adding landscaping just to flip a house, you are not likely to get a good return on your investment. Adding a fence, terracing or porch just to resell the house will likely not pay for itself.
- MAKE IT: Taking advantage of what you have and enhancing it will help you get the most out of your home. If you already have a deck, fencing, and outdoor lighting, for example, see what you can do to refine that. Maybe refinish or paint your fence or deck. Fences can boost your home’s value a lot, making it more attractive to families and pet owners.
- BREAK IT: If your landscaping isn’t well planned and includes mismatched plants or trees, it can detract attention from the home.
- BONUS TIP: Invest in seasonal flowers to add some pops of color to your yard, and clean up the edges of barked areas. Meticulous gardens and a well-manicured lawn will make your home more attractive to prospective buyers.
If you don’t have an eye for landscape design, ask your neighbors for suggestions or drive around your neighborhood to see what types of lawns you find attractive. And, of course, your Realtor® will have good suggestions for ways to make your landscaping and home’s exterior more appealing to prospective home buyers. Good luck!