Landscaping can improve a home's curb appeal
5 Mar, 2008 By: Landscape Management Staff LM Direct!Ask any realtor in any state what sells a house and near the top of that list will be curb appeal. While that can mean extensive repairs for some homes, usually it’s just a matter of maintenance.
Realtors say an unkempt yard often prevents potential buyers from even getting out to the car to look inside, because a yard that isn’t properly maintained raises questions about the condition of the rest of the property. A beautiful lawn says the opposite.
Lawn Doctor, a leader in the nation’s lawn care industry, offers these tips that affect not only what the buyer sees from the curb, but from inside the house, too – to give a seller the edge in today’s competitive market.
Mow and maintain — A neatly trimmed, weed- and pest-free yard says a home is properly maintained by a caring homeowner. If there’s a sign in the yard, people will be scrutinizing the lawn regularly.
Trim walkways — Overgrown shrubs and plants that block walkways can make a home seem uninviting when a potential buyers has to negotiate around them.
Let in the light — Dark rooms are one of the biggest turn-offs for buyers. Cut back or remove old landscaping that blocks windows to allow natural light to stream in.
Show off your architecture — Overgrown landscaping can hide attractive architectural details such as columns, unique windows, rooflines and doors or other features that buyers love.
Plan ahead — If your house isn’t on the market yet, but you are planning to sell in the next year, you have a great opportunity to work on lawn problem areas such bald patches or brown spots that can’t be fixed overnight.
“Lawn maintenance is one of the least expensive steps a homeowner can take to make his house attractive to potential buyers,” said Lawn Doctor’s Vice President of Marketing and Franchising Scott Frith. “Whether you do it yourself or hire a company to keep the yard professionally manicured, it’s become a necessary part of selling a home.”
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