The best way to sell a house is to make a strong first impression with buyers. Often, that first impression is formed before they even set foot inside; indeed, the extent to which you take care of your landscaping can make or break your home’s curb appeal. Fortunately, there are some reasonably simple DIY landscaping projects that can truly add to the appeal of your home, and potentially enhance its value in the process.
The bottom line: As you consider all the important steps to selling a house, make sure landscaping is on your list. You can start with any of the projects listed here.
Landscaping Projects That Add Value
Tend Your Garden
One thing that really helps sell a house is the presence of a big, mature garden. Now, if you don’t already have a garden, it’s not necessarily wise to start one right before you list. But if you do have a garden, make sure it appears well cared-for. Pull weeds and dead plants, tidy up, and keep your flowers or vegetables looking their very best. A well-maintained garden signals to buyers that you have a well-maintained home, too.
Spruce Up Your Outdoor Living Space
Something else that helps sell a house is a clearly defined outdoor living space. It’s not enough to just throw out some patio chairs. Make sure you keep your outdoor furniture cleaned, and that you present a clear path for traffic flow in your outdoor area. Also, arrange outdoor decor to make it feel like an enclosed room, with real definition.
Take Care of the Lawn
It may sound basic, yet you’d be surprised how many sellers let their lawn go, especially as the seasons change and some cooler weather sets in. But if your grass isn’t getting an inch of rainwater a week (and you can use a simple rain gauge to measure), then you should keep watering it. And if the grass is still growing, you should keep it mowed to around three inches. One more tip is to make sure your lawn is properly edged, which can help emphasize how freshly manicured it is.
Add Some Color
In the interest of making the front of your home as bright, appealing, and welcoming as possible, you could do a lot worse than to plant some vibrant, seasonally appropriate flowers in your front beds. It doesn’t have to be anything too elaborate or garish, and in fact simplicity is often the best approach. Just don’t underestimate the power of rich hues to make a property feel like home.
Plant a Tree
Assuming you have some space for it, planting a tree or two can add real value to your home. Why? For one thing, trees help keep the air clean, so many buyers will view trees as an eco-friendly amenity. Also, trees can provide shade and privacy. And for buyers who have kids, the thought of their little ones playing in those trees can seem idyllic. In short, trees add real appeal to your listing, so consider whether it’s a viable option on your lot.
Tidy Up
Finally, it’s worth taking some time to simply go out into the yard and pick up anything that doesn’t belong there. This means yanking out and disposing of dead plants. It means putting toys and lawn equipment where they go, not leaving them strewn about in the yard. And if you have pets, it also means getting rid of any dog doo that’s in your yard; remember that potential buyers will likely want to walk around some, and you don’t want to force them to dodge droppings!
Learn More About How to Sell a Home
As far as smart steps to selling a house, landscaping maintenance can go a long way, and is something we highly recommend for any seller.
Something else we recommend is that you claim your free seller’s report from SOLD.com. It will give you some valuable tips on how to sell a home.
In fact, your report will give you an individualized recommendation for the best way to sell a house and meet all your real estate goals. And again, the report is free! Make sure you claim yours right away!