We all know that when it comes to selling a home, curb appeal is paramount, and landscaping plays a major role in that.
Your yard is the first impression potential buyers get of your home, which is why it’s important to have an attractive one.
You may be thinking, “but landscaping is so expensive”! Fortunately, this is not always the case and landscaping comes with an added benefit. Landscaping is an investment that can increase your property’s value.
By how much you ask? The answer: it depends.
Below are a few points to consider when it comes to deciding how much landscaping to do and how it can impact your ROI:
- Think about the added curb appeal
- Consider the cost
- Create an outdoor oasis
- Average landscaping return on investment
Think About Curb Appeal
Curb appeal refers to how attractive a property is when you drive by, usually when it’s up on the housing market. It not only encompasses the look and feel of your actual home, but also the landscaping and surrounding area.
When your house is on the market, think of your yard as a way to entice people to enter. Buyers want to see a happy yard, not a sad one. They need to be able to envision themselves living in the home and enjoying the yard.
Increasing your curb appeal with landscaping can take many forms. It doesn’t have to be expensive and even small updates can make a huge difference!
Improving your curb appeal with a nicely landscaped yard will play an important role in increasing your home’s property value.
Consider Cost-Effective Landscaping
Landscaping is typically one of the last updates homeowners make. Cost is a major factor in this decision.
It is important to remember that landscaping involves many different services, like having your lawn mowed to a complete overhaul.
No matter your situation, cost should be a consideration, especially in regards to return on investment.
Here are some cost-effective updates that will increase the curb appeal of your home:
- Add color with annuals and perennials
- Add mulch, which will define your flower beds
- Remove weeds and deadhead flowers
- Maintain the “fresh” cut look of your grass and keep it lush
- Hire a lawn maintenance service to keep it manicured
If your landscape is in need of an overhaul, the general rule is to spend 10% of the value of your home on this project.
Create an Outdoor Oasis
Who doesn’t love walking barefoot through grass or taking time to smell the roses?
Creating an outdoor oasis is part of the fun when landscaping your yard. It is also an important factor to consider when working on your outdoor home staging.
Homeowners and potential buyers are looking for more than just a basic yard. Many want a getaway, where they can escape, relax, and enjoy nature steps from their home. This is where outdoor home staging comes into play.
Here are a few suggestions for creating an outdoor oasis:
- Place potted flowers in walkway corners and entryways
- Look at current trends to get inspired
- Create a firepit or get a nice patio set
- Add a peaceful water feature
- Place lighting on a pathway, in trees, or deck railings
- Add some character with lawn ornaments, bird feeders, or wind chimes
- Plant native plants, which will attract butterflies and birds (and are low maintenance!)
This is your chance to be creative and give your yard a personality.
Creating an oasis is fun, but remember not to overdo it. Potential buyers may be turned off if the landscaping looks too eccentric or expensive to maintain.
Average Landscaping Return on Investment
“What is my landscaping return on investment?” This is one of the major questions we get from our clients.
We know from experience that a nicely landscaped home increases property value and improves curb appeal. But by how much? While we don’t have a straight answer, we have some stats we can share:
- Average: 5.5%-12.7% increase in property value
- Up to 14% increase in resale value
- Can decrease the amount of time your home is on the market
Landscaping return on investment is different for everyone. There are many factors that play a role such as location, time of year, and the original investment. But don’t get discouraged, it has been proven that a beautifully landscaped yard is a great return on investment (and you’ll enjoy it too)!
Crowley Landscape Management Services
Now that you know landscaping will increase your property value, what’s next?
If you’re ready to take the next step and refresh your home’s landscaping, contact Crowley Landscape Management. We do it all – from landscaping design to installation, and maintenance.
We are here to ensure you have the yard of your dreams, whether it be a complete overhaul or a cost-effective solution to help increase your property value before selling. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!