You have worked hard to get your home ready for the market. It is clean, repaired, updated, staged and all you need now is a “For Sale” sign and find a buyer.
Before you schedule the first open house, though, take a minute to consider the lawn. Did you know that a nice lawn can actually create excitement and help you sell your house quicker?
Read on to find out the benefits of good landscaping and how you can increase your chances of a quick sale and maybe even the value of your home with just a little effort. If you are interested in getting an all cash offer from a real cash house buyer here in pueblo, co go here!
First Impressions
Whether it is a first date or a job interview, the first impression is extremely important. You only get one shot to put your best foot, or lawn, forward.
People who are proud of their home work on the outside presentation as well as the interior. It is a collective ensemble that speaks to the overall care given to the property.
Driving up to your home sets the expectation for the rest of the house. If the lawn is well kept and looks great, the potential buyer has every reason to believe the interior of the home is also well maintained. To them, this translates as less money spent on repairs and is seen as a financial plus.
If you are curious as to the best months to list your home; read on.
Appearances Matter
Curb appeal is the initial spark that lights the fire of interest in someone looking to purchase your home. No grass in the front yard or a messy landscape will have the opposite effect and cast your entire home in a bad light.
It is also important to note that higher-priced homes carry a higher expectation that the outside area and lawn will be top-notch. You do not want to list a pristine home and neglect the weeds growing around the property.
If a buyer is choosing between two comparable homes, it may all come down to the landscape.
On the flip side, you do want to be careful about extreme landscaping, especially if you are just putting it in for the sale. If someone pulls up to your home and sees extensive flower beds and intricate designs, they may start to imagine the work or money involved in that kind of upkeep. Not everybody has a green thumb, and this can be seen as more of a negative than a positive.
Can a Nice Lawn Increase a Home’s Actual Value
There are mixed reviews when discussing how much real financial value is added to a home with a well-maintained yard. Some studies suggest it can add up to an average of 10% to the appraised value, while others maintain it is a great selling point and can quicken a sale, but does not add a monetary value.
Many landscape experts recommend investing 10% of a home’s value in the landscape. Ideally, this would be done over a span of time and not all at once when the house goes on the market, but any improvements will yield a reward.
For those unable to spend large amounts of money on landscaping, there are a few simples things that can have a significant impact.
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Lawn Update
You should start these projects about a month prior to putting the house on the market. There may be some upkeep, but this cannot all be done in a day unless you pay a professional.
Remove all the weeds from both the yard and any flower beds. Water and fertilize the lawn to create a lush, green appearance. It then needs to be mowed and edged.
Add a new layer of mulch and fresh color to the flower beds using seasonal plants that grow well in your area. You should also add some container planters with flowers and place them on patio areas, porches, and entryways.
Trim and shape overgrown shrubs and trees. Dead branches should be pruned and all trimmings hauled away.
This would also be the time to dig up anything you plan to carry with you for the new place. Make sure you replace any holes or missing spots with something new for a uniform and consistent look.
If you run out of time to do this before your first showing, make sure you inform the potential buyer of your intentions to remove specific plants.
Non-Landscaping Fixes
If you have any decorative water elements, like a pool or fountain, make sure they are clean with new filters for sparkling water. Remove algae, leaves, and all visible debris.
For homes with an irrigation system, make sure it is working properly. If it is advertised with the home, a buyer may request to see it running.
Check all outdoor faucets to make sure there are no leaks. Make any necessary repairs. The appearance of a leaking outdoor faucet suggests potential plumbing problems inside.
This is also a good time to power-wash surfaces such as siding, sidewalks, patios, and even fences. This is a great way to make all outside surfaces shine and look new.
If the front door looks a little drab or dated, applying a fresh coat of paint does not take much time but makes a big difference. In fact, if the siding of the home is peeling or spotted, it would be a good investment to have the entire home painted.
You may want to consider adding outdoor lighting or even a new fire pit. These small changes make a big impact on the overall look of the home. If you already have these features, make sure they are cleaned and working properly.
Take a Walk Around the Neighborhood
When deciding which improvements to make or features to add, take a stroll around your neighborhood. See what other homes in your area look like and the impression it has on the overall appeal of the home.
You should aim for a contemporary, classic feel that will allow the new owner to add their touches as they see fit.
The Impact
Improvements to your landscape can have a positive impact on the value of your home and the amount of time it stays on the market. A nice lawn with updated features shines a spotlight on your beautiful home.
If you need help selling your home quickly, reach out to the pros.