When preparing to sell a property, owners should identify areas requiring improvement to ensure the home is market ready. As you develop your checklist, remember to include your landscape; well-maintained flowers, trees, shrubs, and a healthy lawn can significantly contribute to the property's overall value. First impressions count – the exterior view sets the tone for buyers. Does your landscape add to the marketability of your home, or does it give an impression of an outdated and uncared for property?
Begin your landscape improvement checklist with the basics. Evaluate your turf: is it showing signs of age or stress? Are there bare areas, or is the current grass type underperforming? If so, consider revitalizing your lawn with new sod. This may involve selectively replacing distressed patches or undertaking a complete resodding of the property. When opting for a full resodding, assess whether a different variety of turf might be more suitable. For example, if Zoysia grass is not thriving, alternatives such as St. Augustine, Centipede, or Bermuda may be considered. A home presented with lush, green grass signals that the property is well maintained and can contribute to a healthier environment. Detailed landscaping can encourage buyers to book a viewing.
The next element to evaluate on your checklist is the condition of your flowering plant material. If your current plants appear worn, aged, sparse, or are not blooming, you may want to replace them. Consider revitalizing a planting bed or introducing additional color for optimal impact. Enhancing your landscape with well-chosen flowering plants offers multiple advantages when marketing your home. Strategic use of color, such as Geraniums, Lantana, or Knockout Roses, can significantly improve curb appeal, while Hydrangeas may provide a welcoming atmosphere that helps prospective buyers feel at ease. Moreover, vibrant selections like Zinnias, Hibiscus, or Daylilies can help your property distinguish itself in a competitive market.
Potential buyers may observe under-pruned and outdated shrubs and trees, which is an important aspect to assess in the landscape checklist. Properly pruning a Live Oak tree allows more sunlight to reach the plants and turf below, contributing to a well-maintained appearance. Pruning overgrown shrubs can enhance curb appeal and create a more welcoming environment. Shrubs and trees that extend onto structures or utilities may be concerning for buyers and should be examined. Healthy trees, like a Little Gem Magnolia, and shrubs, like Ligustrum or Indian Hawthorn, on a property can be attractive features and positively influence buyers' perception of the property.
Research shows that a well-tended landscape can signal to buyers that a property has been taken care of and may have fewer hidden maintenance issues. In housing markets with many available properties, landscaping can distinguish one house from another and can increase visibility among competing listings. Studies report that enhanced landscaping is associated with increased property values by 5% to 20+%. While a home’s interior appearance is certainly important, remember that first you need to get buyers interested enough to come inside. If you require assistance with that, give us a call at Coastal Greenery!
~Happy Planting!
