Where to start
Whenever I've renovated a house, I've started with the exterior. It lets the neighborhood know that better things are to come. You never know where your buyer (or renter) will come from.
It's always a good idea to get quotes from several landscaping companies. You'll learn from each of them, helping you make an informed decision. You'll probably get better results by working with one company rather than different contractors for different jobs.
You don’t need a total redesign or a costly planting plan. When the pros do the work, you know that your exterior is looking its best: weeds gone, edges neat, shrubs shaped, and freshly mulched.
Professionals will spot trouble you may not be aware of. Maybe you haven't noticed dead tree limbs, patchy turf, a drainage problem, or shrubbery that blocks windows.
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| When buyers see a large expanse of lawn, they may dread having to mow it. But you can document how economical it is to hire a routine landscape service. |
Make decisions
If you've neglected your yard and it looks unhealthy, weedy, crowded or sparse, it's even more important to bring it up to speed now that you are selling. Don't fall for this line of thinking: "It was good enough for me. It'll be good enough for the next fellow!" That's just lazy short-sightedness! A properly maintained landscape can increase your home's value by 20%.
If you are stretching your budget (and who isn't?), skip some major projects that might not have the same return as an improved landscape. Your Realtor should be able to advise you, so that you can compete with other homes in your market.
Some cost-cutting techniques might include pruning overgrown shrubs and trees rather than removing or replacing them, heavily mulching overgrown flower beds or areas where turf is struggling, top dressing mulched areas with fresh mulch, adding a focal point like a bird bath or arbor to make the landscape more interesting, overseeding grass instead of bringing in new sod, and watering or fertilizing plants that need attention.
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| When your home is surrounded by similar homes, you'll want your yard to look as good and -- ideally -- even better than the neighboring homes. |
Ongoing care
How often you need routine follow-up lawn care will depend on the season of the year, the style of your landscape, and your climate zone.
One thing's for sure. Maintenance equals beauty. When buyers shop for their next home, they want to feel like they are moving up the social ladder. So, the last thing they are interested in viewing is the worst house on the street. Make your home the most beautiful with continuing care.
Even after you have a purchase offer, don't ignore your landscape. Sometimes deals fall apart before you get to close, and then you are back to square one.
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| Another advantage of using a commercial company to improve your landscape is that they can buy your plants at wholesale prices. |
Buyers are more inclined to make offers on homes that impress them at first glance. The small amount you spend on upkeep will return the investment if you hire professionals. The financial returns can stem not just from the price you get, but from fewer days on the market, as well. You'll also save time and worry, and know you are getting results that help sell your home.
Get the look, get the book
Don't leave before downloading my eBook, DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar. You'll discover all my tips of the trade to make your home the one buyers remember and want to buy. Staging is more than fluffing pillows and cleaning out your closets. I'll simplify it for you with foolproof formulas and steps to take!
All photos: Cooper's Lawn & Landscaping, LLC