What do real estate agents say is the number one home improvement that appeals to buyers? (Hint: it’s not a stainless steel fridge or marble countertops.) If you guessed lawn care, you’re right. In fact, according to a recent study, lawn care and landscaping are among the top three best returns on investment–even more than the ever-popular kitchen remodel. A neat, well-cared-for lawn is one of the first things buyers notice and is an essential part of making a first impression when you sell your home.
The Curb Appeal Factor
A 2023 National Association of Realtors study reported that a whopping 92 percent of Realtors suggested clients improve their home’s curb appeal before listing. It makes sense when you think about it: your home’s exterior, lawn and landscaping are the first things buyers see. Yes, the inside matters. But you can’t underestimate the feeling buyers get as they walk past your lawn and landscaping. Buyers make subtle subconscious decisions in those first few steps as they decide whether they can see themselves in your home. It all starts with inviting and attractive outdoor spaces.
Is Professional Lawn Care Worth It?
The NAR study showed that landscaping and tree maintenance almost always recover 100 percent (or more) of their cost at resale. In fact, hiring a lawn care company for mowing, fertilizing and weed control can bring more than double the cost when you sell. It’s an excellent return on your investment and leaves you more time for that bathroom project you’ve had in mind.
Landscaping For Resale: What Do Buyers Want?
Tidy and attractive lawns and landscaping are usually at the top of the list, but there are extra features that can make buyers fall in love with your home. Here’s a look at some of the extras and essentials that can seal the deal:
- A beautiful, trimmed lawn is a top priority. A well-maintained and inviting lawn makes homeowners happy to spend time in their homes and makes a home appealing to prospective buyers when it’s time to sell.
- Tidy trees and shrubs are an essential component of curb appeal. Make sure your trees and shrubs are pruned and remove unsightly or dead branches.
- Professional mulching is another winner. Replace old mulch with fresh mulch for a pristine, sculpted look.
- Add gorgeous plants. You’d be amazed at the difference some new plants and flowers make. New annuals and perennials can add vibrant splashes of color to your landscape, and you don’t have to spend a fortune. These extras can make a buyer fall in love with your home.
- Patios and hardscaping can be an investment to install, but you’ll get back much of their value at resale after enjoying them yourself. It’s hard to overestimate the magic of high-quality hardscaping in making your home a place where buyers can picture themselves living comfortably..
- Fire features are growing in popularity as we view our home’s outdoor spaces as a gathering place for friends and family. Adding a fire pit can provide buyers with cozy outdoor evenings in their new home.
- Outdoor kitchens improve livability and enjoyment.
Landscape lighting adds beauty and aesthetics while also providing safety and security. - Irrigation systems rank unexpectedly high on the National Association of Realtors’ “Joy Index,” which rates homeowners’ satisfaction with home improvement projects. Installing an irrigation system can make your yard greener, healthier and more appealing from the street. It’s another feature that allows homeowners to recoup the cost at resale.
Landscaping To Add Value: When To Declutter?
When you’re listing your home, sometimes you want to add features. Colorful plants, new mulch and hardscaping can all add value. However, sometimes your landscaper needs to clean up and eliminate unsightly elements that might not appeal to buyers. Your landscapers can cut back plants obstructing walkways, trim tree limbs too close to your house and remove dead or unattractive trees and shrubs. Real estate agents confirm that decluttering isn’t just for inside your home: a yard clean-up is worth it at resale time.
Selling Your Home: Hire A Professional Landscaping Team
Listing agents say homeowners often don’t have the time or knowledge to tackle landscaping that will boost curb appeal and resale value. Whether it’s primary lawn care or more sophisticated elements, realtors strongly advise hiring a professional landscaping company; it will usually pay for itself at resale. At Epling Landscaping and Lawn Service, our team has the experience and inspiration to help you create outdoor spaces that work for you and offer fabulous curb appeal when it’s time to sell.
