Add value without breaking the bank
LANDSCAPING Making a good first impression counts when you are selling your home
As seen in
First impressions do matter.
When potential buyers drive up to your home, you want them to be impressed. There are many lowcost improvements you can make to increase your curb appeal. Even small improvements can not only make your home easier to sell, they show pride of ownership and will appeal to a wider variety of buyers.
As with other home improvements, it’s important that your landscaping is in keeping with the esthetics of the surrounding homes and neighbourhood. Any improvements should be what buyers are looking for and expect to find in your area. Here are a few low-cost improvements that can help increase your home’s curb appeal and ultimately your home’s value.
Edging
This may sound too basic or easy to mention as a landscaping project but it is often overlooked. Giving your property the look of a healthy, manicured lawn with well-defined edges provides instant curb appeal. You can achieve a professional look with minimal expense. Edging the lawn around walkways, driveways, garden beds and trees gives the appearance of a carefully maintained property — buyers will think the same care is given to the maintenance of the house.
Mulching
Adding a fresh layer of mulch to garden beds is an inexpensive way to add instant impact to a tired, dull yard. Not only does it provide contrast between plant beds and edged lawns, mulching also helps keep weeds at a minimum and helps soil retain moisture so plants require less watering during the dry periods of summer.
Create an inviting entrance
If your house is lacking colour, a pot full of beautiful flowers at the front door will go along way to creating a welcoming entrance for potential buyers. Painting your front door a cheerful colour that complements your house colour can give your entire home a facelift with minimal effort. Consider replacing old and faded house numbers with modern, easy-to-read replacements.
Lighting
Replacing builder-grade or outdated light fixtures on the exterior of your home with modern light fixtures can create an instant makeover. Consider the style and architecture of your home when selecting new styles and finishes. If budget is a concern, painting a dated light fixture with a fresh coat of black paint can do the trick for a fraction of the cost of a new light fixture. The addition of pathway lighting can be both decorative and functional and can highlight trees and shrubs for a dramatic effect in the evening.
Consider planting a tree
If you are going to make an investment in plants, consider purchasing a tree, especially if you live an area where trees are lacking. Over the years the tree will grow and provide shade to your home and yard in the summer. Be sure to consult a professional when selecting which species would be best suited for your yard. And when deciding where to plant it, consider how large the tree will grow over the years. How big will it be in five, 10, 20 years? Planting a tree is an investment that provides more value as they grow.
A simple but intentional garden design
Elaborate gardens do look beautiful, but they can be intimidating to many buyers and be a deterrent when selling your home. Buyers may view extensive gardens as being too complicated or too expensive to maintain. In preparation for listing your home, de-cluttering and simplifying the garden may be helpful. Patti Ross is a full-time professional Realtor® and home improvement expert helping people buy, sell and improve their homes in HRM for more than 10 years.