When a potential buyer of your home drives up to view your home, the first thing he looks for is the attractiveness of the home in its surroundings when viewed from the street. Realtors call this “curb appeal.” It is his first impression of your home, and it can make or break the deal before they even step into your home. The good news is that you can greatly improve your home’s curb appeal with our five easy yard improvements to sell your home faster.
Improving curb appeal not only attracts home buyers, but a well-kept yard brings in a higher price. According to a study done by Michigan State University, a home with beautiful landscaping and effort put into curb appeal can increase the perceived home value by five to 11%. Curb appeal can also sell a home faster.
Consulting with the experts, we have put together five easy yard improvements to boost your home’s curb appea and sell your home faster.
1. Declutter your yard.
This is one of the easiest steps, yet one that is often overlooked. A yard that is full of clutter or looks as though it needs excess work will turn off buyers in a hurry. Take a few afternoons to get your yard in tiptop shape.
Get rid of or store with us at Silverado any extra outside decor or furniture that is cozy for the family but a distraction to a buyer. Too much furniture can make decks and porches look too busy, just in the same way too much furniture in the house can repel a buyer.
Trim trees and bushes, rake and pick up the fallen leaves from last autumn, etc. For bushes and shrubs, remove dead branches at the base of the plants and trim back unruly stems using a sharp pair of pruning shears. Potential buyers are looking at your yard scrupulously, and an unkept yard shouts too much work to manage. So invest the time to do these yard tasks. If you need help, put a post in your local Facebook group that you need help from any high schoolers who want to earn extra money. If some of your larger trees need trimming, call a professional tree trimmer rather than attempting the potentially dangerous task yourself.
2. Create front-yard curb appeal.
In the same way that you want the house to make a good impression on potential buyers, the front yard needs to sell. Set up a good impression for all who pass with just a few upgrades to the front yard. This can include some of your potted plants and trimmed plants to simply ensure the yard is mowed and free of tall weeds.
Stage your entry and outdoor living spaces with flowers and greenery. Perhaps add a fresh wreath to the front door that fits the season. Try pine in the winter, or a peony-accented wreath in the spring. This sends a welcoming message.
When decorating with flowers and greenery, look at your outdoor space the same way you might look at your interior space. Look for greenery that is the appropriate size for the space, and be careful not to clutter the space you are trying to beautify. For example, a hanging basket may be perfect for a small porch, but for larger areas, twin topiaries or a potted plant on top of a wrought-iron stand would be more suitable.Consider purchasing potted plants that you can take with you when you move. This allows you to enjoy the purchase in your new home. These fun and simple upgrades make a huge impact on the sale of your home.
3. Embrace greenery.
Not only does greenery improve the curb appeal, but, according to Bob Vila, nationally-known home expert, certain plants are more attractive to buyers. Check out his blog on the 14 Plants, Shrubs, and Trees That Can Help You Sell Your House. Visit your local nursery and check to see which of those recommendations will grow in your area and how you might best integrate them into your landscaping.
4. Add an outdoor living space.
One of the best ways to add value to your home is to show off everything that the space can do. If you don’t already have an outdoor lounge area, it’s time to set one up. Buyers want to see all the ways that they can use a potential space, and that means outdoor space, too.
Add benches, chairs, an outdoor rug, tables, etc. in order to create an inviting area for entertaining, reading, and more. Again, these are all items you can take with you. Or, borrow/rent items for a quick staging option. The Spruce recommends the five best furniture rental companies in this article.
Setting up this outdoor area can allow buyers to envision themselves living in your space. Best of all, it’s an easy setup. Simply gather a seating area to show off just how much your yard has to offer.
5. Increase privacy.
Another trend that has gained momentum after the pandemic is the regular use of home spaces for entertainment and more. People are more apt to stay in or invite others over, which means using what you have and making it great.
Consider adding a fence to your home. Fencing in a property, especially in an urban neighborhood offers privacy, security and aesthetics, all invaluable features. A fence gives home buyers a sense of added security – even if it is just a low-sitting picket fence. It minimizes the risk of trespassing, as it sends a clear message that anything beyond the fence is private property. This simple privacy upgrade can add lasting value to your home.
Don’t underestimate the value of your yard and how it can help sell your home faster.
Following our tips will improve the look and feel of your home and increase the monetary value and sale timeline of your house. For more tips, refer to the blogs on our website.