Landscaping Affects Value

Most appraisers agree that if a home has nice landscaping, it can often enhance the value and reduce a home’s time on the market.  If landscaping is not kept up or is deteriorating,  it can often lower the value and lengthen the time a home remains for sale. 

 

Curb appeal is essential when selling a home.  This is the homeowner’s chance to make a great first impression. A home with boring landscape or in need of an exterior paint job will be unappealing to prospective buyers and they will factor these issues into their offering price if they make an offer at all.

 

Since landscaping improvements could make an impact on the resale value, homeowners should consider how long they plan to be in the home and whether to make short-term updates or plan for several years.

 

Here are some tips for homeowners to retain or improve their curb appeal

• Keep your landscape design in line with comparable properties in the area.  You don't want to copy your neighbor's design, but be sure that you complement each other's homes.

 

• Imagine yourself as a buyer and driving up to your home for the first time.  Does it make you feel excited about going inside?

 

• Don't overdo it!  Landscaping that requires little or no water to maintain can be quite desirable depending on where you live.  Don't be extreme in either direction.

 

• Remove weak, old or damaged trees planted too close to a home or building that could provide a danger to the home.  Homeowners should also be sure that mulching or beds don’t get too close to wood around foundations to avoid wood-destroying organisms.

In many cases, it is not necessary to spend a lot to give your home curb appeal.  A little creativity can go a long way with landscaping.  If you are not naturally talented in this area, professional help with design will often pay for itself in the end.

 

Nancy Puder is a real estate broker in Arroyo Grande, CA.  You may contact her at Nancy@NancyPuder.com or (805)710-2415. She always enjoys hearing from you!