Landscaping can make a difference in selling your home. Many homeowners focus too much on improving their interiors and overlook the fact that it is their front yard that creates the essential first impression.
A well-landscaped lawn can make the difference in a potential buyer’s decision to step inside your home or not. It implies to the buyer that the homeowner cares for his or her home and that the interiors would most likely be clean and well-maintained too. Great landscaping can add as much as 5-11% to your home’s market value!
If you are planning on landscaping to improve your property, come up with a list of things that need to be done then start on the project right away. If you are going to sell your home, the best time to do landscaping is at least a month before you put the home up for sale. Remember, plants and flowers take time to grow, so do your landscaping well in advance.
The most common landscaping tasks a homeowner might need to add on their to-do list are:
- Rake and mow the lawn
- Weed the garden
- Plant ornamental flowers, shrubs
- Trim the bushes and tree limbs
- Wash and repaint the patio or deck
- Remove mildew or mold around the exterior of the home
For the clueless first-timers, here are a few tips on landscaping to help your home sell faster:
1. Use Container Plants. Container plants add considerable interest to patios and doorways where people pass by the most. Since container plants are easy to move around, the design possibilities are endless.
2. Retouch the mulch. A fresh layer of mulch can do a lot in sprucing up your garden beds. It enhances the contrast of the plants surrounding it, making the colors pop out. Mulch is also very cheap and easy to apply. Try bark- it comes in a variety of sizes and colors.
3. Play with colors. That means, invest more on the flowering plants. They say yellow catches the eye and will lead potential buyers straight to your door. Playing with a variety of colors can make a more interesting and appealing garden.
4. Cut and trim shrubs and tree limbs. Nothing says neglect like a tree full of dead branches. Put your pruning skills to use all year round and make sure to trim your shrubs and trees regularly, not just when you are about to sell your home.
5. Add outdoor lighting. Outdoor lighting adds drama to the home, makes it more visible at night (for potential buyers who might drive through after sunset), and extends the home’s space after dark. It creates images of cozy family get-togethers, outdoor barbecues, and evening parties in the minds of would-be buyers. Use low voltage lighting to save up on electricity costs. You can hire a professional to help with the lighting design and installation. Many times local gardeners are able and willing to do this type of work if you are on a budget.
Proper landscaping will definitely make a big impact on your potential buyers. It is the key in determining whether they would want to go ahead and step inside your home or not. Remember, a well landscaped home lures in potential buyers while a poorly maintained yard turns them off.
For information on preparing your house for sale or buying or selling property in Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz, and surrounding areas, contact me directly at 213-215-4758 or check out LApropertySolutions.com
Jenny Durling
Broker Associate
L.A. Property Solutions
213-215-4758
info@LApropertySolutions.com
LApropertySolutions.com
Copyright © 2010 By Jenny Durling *All Rights Reserved *Landscaping Can Make A Difference*
I agree somewhat! I think the first step to get anyone inside the home is for them to enjoy the outside! IF the curb appeal stinks most buyers won't give it the time of day.
If I had a buck for every buyer who wouldn't even get out at the curb. Landscaping is very, very important, it is what calls to the buyer from the curb, "Come See Me". If buyers don't like it from the curb, many times they won't even bother to get out of the car!!
Agreed- curb appeal is HUGE with buyers. Some can look past it but like Mary said- I've had buyers refuse to get out of the car just from seeing a place from the outside!
Without question, Jenny! By the way, I just posted a comment on another blog a few moments ago and noticed your pic (thinking), "where have I seen her before?!" Embarassingly, it was from THIS post on landscaping that I read yesterday, (but forgot to comment on when I ran to answer the phone)! Doh! I have some friends that live in the Los Feliz area, and it became one of my new favorite "discoveries" when i was in L.A. about 3 years back. The "village" area is terrific with a REAL neighborhood vibe. I'll bet it's a fun place to work as an agent. All the best.
Hi David- I'm glad you came back to comment. Yes, the Village of Los Feliz is great and so is Sunset Junction in Silver Lake. We're both lucky to be working in CA, right?!
Born and raised! I don't think I truly appreciated how lucky we are until my early to mid twenties. I admit, I'm addicted to the climate. It's Italy without the humidity and summer rains.
Born and raised too! It's unique to be a native Angeleno!