The landscaping around your home is the first thing prospective homebuyers see when they pull up in the driveway. That first impression creates a lasting one, and it's worth investing the time and effort to ensure your grass, trees, flowers, and shrubbery look their best. As you prepare your home for the real estate market, the following landscaping tips will help you set the stage for a successful sale.
Clear Away Clutter
Get rid of garden gnomes, pink flamingos, rusty children's toys, and anything extraneous that detracts from the landscape. Simplifying the landscape creates a comfortable, calming ambiance and helps home buyers envision their own lawn decorations in the yard.
Trim, Trim, and Trim Some More
Trimming trees and pruning shrubbery helps them stay healthy. Removing dead branches also protects gutters, the roof, and fencing from damage. It's worth hiring a professional tree trimming service, as they will perform the work and remove the debris from your property. Whenever possible, it is best to do this in the fall or spring to give them a chance to grow and thrive.
Repair the Sprinklers
Broken sprinkler heads and leaky sprinkler systems are significant concerns for potential buyers. A sprinkler system that works correctly is a selling point your real estate agent can use to put their fears to rest. A properly functioning system will also make it easier for you to keep the landscape watered until your home sells.
Green Up the Grass
The grass is the foundation for most landscapes. Brown spots, bare patches, and dandelions stick out like sore thumbs. You should apply weed killers, turf builders, and fertilizers one to two months before you plan to put your home on the market. This gives your grass a chance to recover and grow before the first buyer ever sets foot on the lawn.
Add a Splash of Color
Planting bright, visually appealing landscapes creates a happy, festive atmosphere. The presence of colorful flowers in standing pots or permanent flower beds invites prospective buyers to rest and relax as they ponder purchasing your home. Red, blue, pink, yellow, and green flowers are guaranteed to put potential buyers in the mood to sign a sales contract.
Paint and Repair the Exterior
Pull out the brushes and paint any areas that are starting to show their age. Repair damaged light fixtures, siding, gutters, shutters, or railings. If you have a wooden deck that is looking worse for wear, you should sand and restain the wood. If you have a concrete patio or sidewalks, use a power washer with detergent to brighten these up. Once the concrete is clean, fill and repair any cracks you discover.
Mend Your Fences
Take care of any broken slats, leaning posts, or slacking links. The fence frames the landscape, and you want it to appear strong and stable. If the fence is past its prime and requires replacing, consider offering a new fence to buyers as a concession within the sales contract.
Finally, it isn't necessary to attempt to do it all yourself. Invest in the services of professionals to ensure that the job is done right. This is especially important for tree trimming, sprinkler repairs, electrical work, and exterior repairs that require specialized tools and experience. This means that the finished appearance your investment buys will be worth its weight in gold when the ink on the contract dries.
As your Listing Agent, I can provide even suggestions to increase your property value. When you're ready to sell, contact me to get started.
VIEW MORE BLOG POSTS
DELICIOUS AUTUMN RECIPES
