Health & Fitness
Landscaping Ideas to Help Sell Your Home
Landscaping is a key part of your home’s curb appeal and sellers should keep in mind that curb appeal is very important to most buyers. That’s the conclusion from a 2013 National Association of Realtors survey.
That first impression is important. If the buyers don't like the looks of the front of the house, which is mostly landscaping they often won't even go inside.
A landscaping investment could potentially pay big returns in home value according to many realtors. But sellers still should be careful about their spending decisions.
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When landscaping your home to place it on the market, consider the following:
• Maintenance is important. Start by cleaning up the yard, removing dead branches, dog droppings, weeds and anything broken. Be sure that downspouts are clean and functional, and drain pipes are properly buried and operational, so water doesn't pool. Make sure that patios, walkways and fences are level and that roots haven't pushed up sidewalks or patio stones. If your deck has wobbly railings or loose steps, fix them. Remove overgrown shrubs encroaching on the sidewalk or any that are too big, don't flower or are out of style.
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• Plants also play a key role. In the front yard, the landscaping should pull your eyes to the front door. While a realtor is opening the lockbox, buyers will be looking around at the landscaping, so have pots of blooming flowers nearby. Trees, bamboo and other screening plants can be used to hide anything unsightly, such as your neighbor's garage door or the trash cans.
• Add some landscaping features. In the backyard, people like a comfortable spot to hang out such as decks or patios. Other options, such as fire pits, outdoor kitchens, fountains and lighting, make a backyard more of a paradise. A cobblestone patio is better than poured concrete. A stacked-stone retaining wall is more appealing than railroad ties. Fencing is another asset to buyers, whether they have kids or just want privacy. Pick the right fence, though. Alternate board fencing is popular, but you'll waste money if you put in stockade and chain-link fences.
