Spring is here, and for many folks, it’s the ideal time to put their home on the market. A gorgeous exterior, including top-notch landscaping, not only catches buyers’ eyes, it can actually raise the value of your home! In the super hot Northern Virginia real estate market, landscaping is an essential element to make your home stand out above the rest.
Tapping The Spring Real Estate Boom
According to the Zillow real estate database, the first two weeks in May are the best time to sell a house in the U.S. The warm air and sunshine get folks out and about and motivated to buy. For families looking to relocate, a summer move is a perfect way to get the kids settled in before school starts in the fall. Spring is also the ideal time to showcase the outdoor spaces around your home. But first, you have to find the right partner for creating that eye-pleasing exterior, and an excellent professional landscaper is the best way to make that happen.
What Is Curb Appeal And Why Does It Matter?
You’re driving around with your agent on a gorgeous spring day, taking a first look at properties available in the zip code you’ve chosen. Which sounds more appealing – a scrubby and overgrown lawn, or a lush, beautifully landscaped oasis?
The answer is pretty clear: most buyers want a home that speaks to them from the outside in, and that’s why curb appeal is so important. Curb appeal is a great way to make an all-important first impression. Curb appeal is the first glance that makes buyers want to stop the car. In real estate, that means attractive exterior spaces and eye-catching landscaping. If you’re in a neighborhood with plenty of similar houses, top-notch landscaping can make your home stand out.
Does Landscaping Increase Property Value?
The short answer is; absolutely! Many experts estimate that high-quality landscaping boosts property values by up to 10 percent, which is in line with a Virginia Tech study that looked at the value of outdoor design.
The study from Virginia Tech’s horticulture department highlighted the landscape elements that matter most to consumers when looking for a new home. They found that design sophistication – having the property landscaped with a more thoughtfully designed plan – was the most critical factor, followed by plant size and plant diversity, highlighting the importance of larger plants, trees, and shrubs, and also mixing things up for a vibrant and colorful look.
That same study showed that great landscaping raised property values anywhere from under 6 percent to more than 12 percent, depending on the state. So investing in professional landscaping makes financial as well as aesthetic sense! The Virginia Tech study suggests that “going big” with larger plants and fancier designs is often well worth the cost – especially in a competitive market like Northern Virginia. One rule of thumb is to set aside up to 10 percent of your home’s value in landscaping. The skill, training, and know-how that an experienced landscaping company brings into play is a very wise investment.
What Are Some Landscaping Elements That Help Boost Curb Appeal?
The possibilities for great landscaping are endless, but regarding curb appeal, here are a few consistent winners:
- Walkway plantings from the driveway to the front door
- Flowers that make the color of your house pop
- Neat mulch to create clean edges and a well-designed look
- Tree and shrub pruning and care to make larger elements look their best
Is Landscaping Possible On A Budget?
We know that not everyone can make a significant investment in landscaping, but there are plenty of less expensive approaches that can add value. Necessary lawn improvements are one of the most important upgrades sellers can make. This means regular mowing and keeping lawns lush, green, and weed-free. There are relatively inexpensive ways to add flowers for color. And yes, it’s still worth your while to hire a professional. Talk to Epling about smaller fixes that fit your budget!
Why Backyards Matter
One final piece of advice: don’t forget the backyard! Curb appeal is obviously important in drawing in-house hunters. But once potential buyers are on site, it’s necessary to create a backyard space where they can picture themselves spending time for years to come. Some of the best ideas for backyard improvements include inviting stonework and patios or adding plants and flowers around decks and pergolas. Your landscape designer has tons of ideas for creating a backyard that buyers will fall in love with.
Landscaping And Property Value: The Benefits Are Clear
Spring is the ideal time to make changes to your home’s outdoor spaces, especially if you’re looking to sell. Terrific landscaping makes your house appealing, inviting, and eye-catching. It will also create an environment that you can enjoy before you sell.
If you want to increase your property value with professional landscaping, call Epling today to schedule an estimate. Epling Landscaping and Lawn Service will enhance the overall curbside appeal of your home, making sure to catch the eyes of any potential buyer who walks by. Call us today to learn more.
