If you are looking to sell your home, landscaping is a vital step to attract buyers and increase the value of the space. The exterior of the property is one of the first things a potential buyer will notice, before even stepping foot inside, so it is pivotal to that first impression.
Here are some top tips to improve your landscape when you’re looking to sell your home.
Maintain Your Lawn
As prospective buyers pull up to your home, one of the first things they will see and pay attention to is the front lawn.
If the grass is long, unkempt and covered in weeds, it could immediately put them off buying — a mind can easily be made up before even seeing the interior of the home.
However, if your lawn is a lush green, weed-free and tidy environment, it willl create a great first impression and the buyer will be eager to step inside and see the rest of the property. Don’t forget to make sure the back lawn, if you have one, is in equally good condition!
Pressure-Wash Surfaces
Surfaces such as paths, driveways, patios and decking will attract dirt over time, hence losing their vibrant color and starting to look less appealing. This is natural and cannot be avoided, but fear not — you can clean them up and get them looking as fresh as new in a heartbeat before any homebuyers pay a visit.
Pressure-washing is a super-fast solution that requires little effort and, if you don’t own a pressure-washer, some hardware and DIY stores have them available for rent.
Edge the Driveway
Adding edging and borders along the driveway is an aesthetically pleasing way of separating the area from other parts of your landscape, such as the lawn. The look can be achieved using materials such as stones, brick, wood or hedges and creates a clean, well-maintained appearance.
It can also be beneficial in preventing weeds or grass from overgrowing on to the driveway, therefore solving another potential issue that could decrease the value of your property.
Plant Some Flowers
A great way of making the front of your property and your garden look more attractive and visually appealing is by adding in a range of beautiful, colorful flowers.
You should carefully consider your choice of colors to match what is in season and the vibe you are aiming to achieve. For example, red, orange and yellow flowers will add warmth and vibrancy to the landscape, whereas pinks, purples and blues can help to create a tranquil, calming atmosphere.
Keep Flowerbeds Trimmed and Tidy
Although a set of stunning, well-kept flowers will make your landscape pop and achieve a more attractive look, if not properly maintained they could actually end up having the opposite effect and decrease the value of your home.
Keep your flowerbeds thriving by regularly trimming to encourage growth and pruning to remove any dead or damaged parts of the plant (such as petals and leaves). This will show any potential buyers that your home is being well-looked after and kept in good condition, which will be one of the defining factors in their decision of whether or not they are interested in purchasing your property.
Add Fresh Mulch to Your Garden
A mulch is a layer of material, such as woodchips or rubber, that is applied to the surface of soil. As well as boosting visual appeal, adding this protective barrier can reduce the growth of weeds and conserve moisture in the soil, improving its overall health and fertility.
It is recommended that you mulch once or twice a year and opt for larger chunks, as they will take longer to break down and therefore have a longer-lasting effect on soil. This step to improve the health of your garden is sure to make it a hit with potential buyers.
Add Lighting
Installing outdoor lighting into your landscape can illuminate features such as entrances and paths. Not only will this add an extra layer of safety and security to your home, it can also increase property value and grab the interest of homebuyers.
The lighting can be used to enhance and draw attention to certain focal points of your landscape that you wish to highlight, so think carefully about placement and positioning. Many modern outdoor lights are solar powered, allowing you to make an eco-friendly choice and attracting buyers to your home.
Consider a Water Feature
Outdoor water features can really add flare and uniqueness to any landscape and will be a great addition to your property in the drive to bump up value. Koi ponds and small fountains are both great potential options that will add a sense of serene tranquility and make visitors and prospective buyers feel right at home as soon as they set foot in your garden.
If such features feel a little out of budget, a water feature can be something as simple as a birdbath (which will provide the added bonus of attracting beautiful wildlife to your landscape). As with all of the previous tips, however, this will only serve to increase your property value and attract buyers if well maintained, as areas of water can easily become taken over by algae, debris and bugs.
With a plan and a budget in mind, starting work on your landscaping projects can really give your home that boost it needs on the market. Whether you wish to sell your property now or further down the line, it’s never too early or too late to start enhancing and maintaining your outdoor area and giving potential buyers something to really get excited about.
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