Want to be happier at home? Well, according to a report by the National Association of Realtors, you should consider adding a fire feature or an irrigation system to your yard. However, making upgrades and updates to your home’s landscaping isn’t only good for the soul, it offers a remarkable return on your investment when you go to sell.
Why Landscaping?
First impressions are everything. Whether a potential homebuyer is scrolling down pages of thumbnails or determining whether or not to schedule a tour by a single drive-by, your home’s exterior is its greatest marketing tool.
Think of your personal aesthetic preference. If you’re in the market to buy, and you’ve whittled your choices down to two homes in the same price range, which one would you choose? The one with a patio area designed for entertaining and spending a great deal of time enjoying your property, or one with pristine beds and no signs of life? The home with meticulously trimmed and sculpted hedges, or the one whose bushes have seen better days? The answer is obvious, and why you should give your home’s exterior another look to see if upgrades or updates are needed to freshen things up.
A well-tended home with meticulously planted and cared for flower beds is an indication to potential buyers that the house interior is also well-cared for. This “silent” communication of care is often what gets appointments booked and people in the door with home listings.
An interesting fact about landscaping is that your investment tends to hold value, and even increase as time goes by. That deck you added for $10,000 will more than likely add 10K — or more — to your sale price when you’re ready to move on.
What features give you the most joy?
It’s not always about the money. Your home serves as a place of respite, away from the demands of your business or career. Unless you’re a hermit or are allergic to the outdoors, you likely enjoy spending time relaxing and entertaining in your yard. According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, 75 percent of homeowners had a greater desire to be at home after completing a major landscaping project.
So, what features should you consider adding to make your home a haven? According to the survey, adding a fire feature, new deck, water feature, new patio or statement landscaping feature will bring you the most joy at home. Invest in your happiness at home and you’ll reap the rewards [when it’s time to sell].
Real estate agents recommend adding these features to increase value
Perception is everything, and home buying is no exception. According to realtors, routine lawn care services and overall landscaping upgrades are two outdoor features that are sure to impress potential buyers. Better still, the increased perceived value by potential buyers translates into a higher overall home value when you’re ready to sell. In fact, lawn care and landscape management are the most requested landscaping services, according to landscaping professionals.
What’s the real return on your landscaping investment?
The good news is that you can typically expect a minimum of a 100 percent return when you invest in landscaping. John Gidding, star of HGTV’s “Curb Appeal,” shared that he once spent $20,000 to upgrade a home’s exterior on the show. When Gidding’s homeowners sold their home the following year, they were able to command $200,000 more than their initial purchase price — in a single year!
Simply put, when you invest in landscaping, you can have your cake and eat it too!
Loves home. I am here to provide how to make your home a much better place. 🙂 Blogging about HomeDecor, Home Improvements and more.
