Yard and Garden Touches That Sell

Curb appeal is important to attract buyers. If they don’t want to get out of the car, the remodeled kitchen is not going to impress them. The yard and garden of the home you are selling should make a positive first impression, and then some, to get buyers to the door. You don’t need to hire a landscaper or designer to get your yard into top shape and on its way to a sale.

Walkways & Driveways

In our impervious world of blacktop and cement we’ve got a lot to keep up with. Mother Nature is always sending precipitation, temperature changes, frost and shifting soil our way. It is inevitable that these areas easily fall into disrepair. The time to fix them is before your home goes on the market.

If your driveway is blacktop and looks old or weathered, that’s the first impression buyers will get about your property. “Old” and “weathered” aren’t enticing descriptions. Give old blacktop a facelift with asphalt sealer. The same idea applies to cement walkways. Repair or replace cracked or broken components to give a first impression that says at the very least well-maintained.

Get an Edge

If you’ve got garden beds around the home and under trees give them an edge. Defining clear boundaries between different elements is an easy way to sharpen the look of your yard. Edging beds makes them look maintained and under control. The less confusing your yard is the easier buyers can envision taking over the care of it.

Grass or Garden

Throughout your property pick grass or garden and avoid everything else. That’s not to say that themed gardens like a Zen minimalist space or a simple rock garden aren’t good ideas. What I mean is give your yard intent and transform forgotten spots into either grass or garden. Get rid of bald spots in the lawn and define spaces with purpose.

Proportions

The plantings around your home should accentuate the landscape and the structure. Overgrown bushes and shrubs that look disproportionate to the scale of your home should be moved or trimmed. Give box shrubs and shaped plantings good form. Trim excessive growth and keep branches under control.

Sheds & Other Bad Ideas

There are some people who manage accessory buildings well, but not many. Usually these become a catch-all, try-to-hide-all and easily fall into disrepair. If you’ve got a shed on the property make sure that it’s in good condition and not just being used as a place to lean unused garden tools against. Clear debris from around the structure’s base, organize the inside and put garden tools away out of sight. Make it an extra storage selling point instead of an issue. Consider some strategic plantings that give the building a look of inclusion and functionality in the yard.

Fences

Good fences make good neighbors and bad ones make bad impressions. Whether decorative or functional, fences should be in good condition. Repair or remove broken parts, touch up finishes and maintain plantings or grass around the base.

Weed Out

Weeding often gets pushed to the bottom of the priority list. Nobody likes doing it because it seems like a never ending job. But keep in mind that if your yard looks difficult to maintain then a buyer is going to see it. Don’t let weeds can overtake your property. Take time to keep things clear and under control.

*Note: The information in this article is general advice and not meant as a substitute for personal guidance from a financial advisor, real estate professional or legal counsel. Although the author is a licensed realtor, the advice given in this article does not constitute any client contract or agreement between the author and the user. The author is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your decisions.