Landscaping Tips for Selling Your Home
When you first pull up to view a potential new home, what is the first thing you notice? The outer appearance, the lawn and landscaping. Potential home buyers form their first impression of a home from its curb appeal. However, often times landscaping is overlooked, or unfinished in the preparation for the sales process. An attractive and well-maintained yard can add as much as ten percent to the value of your home.
Ideally, the time to get started cleaning up your yard is anywhere from one to two months before listing your home. Prepping your landscaping prior to listing will give buyers the impression that the house has been well maintained from inside out. Follow these tips for sprucing up your yard to help your home sell quickly.
Fresh Mulch
It’s amazing what a fresh batch of mulch can do. This can be a very quick and easy makeover. Simply pour a fresh bag of mulch to your existing beds for a fresh new look. The color enhances the contrast of the surrounding plants, which brings out all of the beautiful surrounding plants. What’s more, mulch is relatively low in cost and easy to apply.
A pop of color
Seasonal flowers add great color and curb appeal. You could go for a wide range of several colors, or even a monochromatic scheme. Remember to choose colors that will stand out, rather than match the outer paint of your house.
Shape trees and shrubs
Trees and shrubs require trimming year-round. Be sure to dispose of any dead limbs, and to trim any and all shrubs for a fresh look. Overgrown landscaping could cause buyers concern that the home has been neglected. The idea is to show how well you maintain your property.
Tend to perennial beds
Tidy up plants, such as annuals and perennials to give them a pristine look. If a plant needs to be replaced, you could always use a decorative pot or lawn decoration.
Now is also a good time to dig up any plants that you want to take with you to your new home. If you intend to remove any landscape plants and haven’t already done so, you have an obligation to inform the buyer exactly which plants you plan on removing. In many states there are restrictions on removing plants from the landscape during the buying and selling process.
Clean up water features
Be sure to remove any visible algae, clean up leaves, and clean filters so that the water is crystal clear. A dirty looking pool or water feature could stray potential buyers.
Take care of any irrigation issues
If there are any problems with an irrigation system, be sure to repair them ahead of time. Irrigation system repairs can be expensive, and you don’t want to lay the cost of those repairs on the buyer. Provide information about your irrigation schedule, especially if you have an automatic system. Include instructions as to how the system operates and recommend the same watering schedule that’s worked for you.
Repair irrigation leaks
A leaking irrigation system suggests that there may be other problems elsewhere in the plumbing, which can be an instant turn-off to buyers.
If you receive sufficient notice that your home is about to be shown, water a half-hour or so before the appointment time. The water reduces the glare of paved surfaces and also sends the message that your plants are well-maintained.
Power-wash dirty surfaces
Freshly pressure washed homes and concrete surfaces make a huge difference. With very little time or effort, you can make old, grimy surfaces look brand new. Power washers can also be used to clean fences, as well as brick and vinyl siding.
Last but not least, keep your grass looking fresh by applying fertilizer, and weekly cuts to insure the grass always looks great for viewers..
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