Sellers often give all their attention to the upgrades they can make inside the home to attract buyers. Landscaping gets put on the back burner. It’s easy to think of it as a finishing touch when, in reality, first impressions are everything! Landscaping cannot help but be what buyers judge first about a home. Before they even step inside, they already have a perception of how well the house has been cared for simply from viewing the landscaping.
First Impressions are Key!
Good curb appeal can make a big difference when it comes to how fast a home sells, and for how much. It’s all driven by the psychology of first impressions, and making a good one with a potential buyer makes a property immediately memorable. Dying or patchy grass, dirty or cracked walkways, untamed weeds, and untrimmed hedges can subtly communicate to the buyer that the home is not well cared for. And, that the disorder they see outside will be mirrored inside, as well. Buyers are much more likely to make a good offer if they do not already have a to-do list in their head before walking through the front door.
Good curb appeal instantly draws in buyers and helps them start picturing themselves living in the home.
Keep in mind that most buyers actually start their house-hunting journey online. An unappealing lead listing photo makes buyers less likely to take a look. Overgrown bushes and grass, trees blocking the view of the home, or a front yard with brown, patchy grass are all issues. Good curb appeal = more clicks = more tours and better offers.
Curb Appeal Tips
The great thing about landscaping and curb appeal is that there are several cost-effective and relatively easy tasks that can increase buyer interest:
- Fresh mulch in landscaping beds
- Edge lawns and beds
- Fix bare spots or brown patches in the lawn
- Create symmetry around entryways
- Trim overgrown trees and shrubs
- Plant or add potted colorful blooms
- Remove any dead plants, weeds, sticks, and leaves
- Clear walkways and paths
Pleasing curb appeal gives a home an edge over competing nearby listings. This is especially true if the properties are similar in terms of the size, the number of bedrooms and baths, and the price point. The home that is more visually appealing will almost always be the one that shoppers remember first.
Low-Maintenance Appeal
Beyond judging how good a home’s landscaping looks, buyers are also mentally evaluating how much work and money it will take to maintain.
When deciding which landscaping upgrades to make, keep in mind how much work will be required in the long term. Buyers respond to attractive outdoor spaces, but they rarely want to take on the time and expense that comes with extensive yard maintenance and upkeep. Go for features and upgrades that are relatively low maintenance. Consider adding native plants in landscape beds, an efficient and well-maintained irrigation system, durable hardscape materials, and even artificial turf.
Ellen’s go-to landscaping team at Envision Lawn and Tree recently installed all-new artificial turf in her backyard. Artificial turf is a great option for homeowners who want a green, manicured lawn year-round without the time, water, and ongoing maintenance required by natural grass.
Usable Outdoor Living Space
Inviting patios and decks that radiate hospitality are sought-after amenities that appeal to many buyers. Such outdoor spaces can add value to a home because they extend its usable living space without major renovation. Visible and well-maintained areas for entertaining, seating, dining, and grilling clearly demonstrate the functionality of the spaces. This gives lookers the opportunity to see themselves, their families, and their friends enjoying them, too.
Landscaping That Adds Privacy
Private backyard spaces are a luxury that buyers notice immediately – emphasis on privacy! While a privacy fence provides just that, strategically placed evergreen trees, tall shrubs, and hedges create screens that block the view from outside the property, along with the sound of traffic and neighbors. When choosing privacy plants, keep in mind how large they will grow and how manageable they will be in the long run.
Looking to make home improvements or renovations with the goal of increasing the home’s value before listing it? Remember to talk with an experienced real estate agent like Ellen first! She not only brings real-time knowledge of the local market, but she also has a network of trusted home professionals. From landscapers like Envision to plumbers, painters, contractors, and more, she’s “Got a Guy!”
For example, Ellen’s go-to guys for all things lawn care and landscaping are the team at Envision. Their outdoor specialists are experts at designing custom landscaping solutions for yards of all sizes. When Ellen worked with the team recently to give her backyard an upgrade, they provided a detailed blueprint to make planning easier and transformed her space into a fresh and inviting, low-maintenance getaway. Give them a call at (816) 788-0808!
