What’s the importance of landscaping before selling?
If you’re preparing to sell your home, it’s easy to focus your efforts on your interior, and not so much the garden. It’s a good idea to ask your real estate agent whether landscaping will increase the value of your property. Freshly cut grass, a tidy garden and an impressive outdoor entertaining area can make the world of difference when selling your property. It’ll make for better photography and therefore attract more prospective buyers to your inspections. If you find a professional to help you plan your landscaping, you can make a substantial return on investment on your property.
How to impress buyers with a stylish exterior
1. Sketch out your ideal landscape
If you can get a hold of a floor plan, you can draw out exactly what you’d like to achieve before you get your hands dirty. If you’re unsure of where to begin, it’s a good idea to chat to a local real estate agent. They’ll have expert advice as they’re selling houses on a weekly basis. So, they’ll understand what local buyers are currently looking for in the market. (A good real estate agent will have garden and maintenance tips for your home sale. You can compare agents at LocalAgentFinder, including commissions, marketing fees, sales history and independent homeowner reviews). A good real estate agent may also have connections with experts in the industry who can help you with your landscaping improvements.
2. Get your hands dirty
Here are some cheap landscaping ideas to help you sell your home: Free your garden from weeds Start off by grabbing your gloves and getting stuck into the weeds and dead plants. It’s the little things that will make a big difference when you’re selling your home. A weed-free garden gives you a tidy area to work with before you move onto the rest. Fertilise and water your grass If you want picture perfect green grass, it’s worth putting some time and effort into fertilising and watering. Ask your local nursery for the most suitable fertiliser – this will differ depending on your location and the weather. You may want to set up a sprinkler or grey water system if you’ve got a large area to green up in a short period of time – these features will also impress buyers. Divide your garden with edging When you’re landscaping before selling, one way to achieve a neat and tidy garden is by bordering your garden beds with edging. If you’re on a budget, you can achieve this by using plastic borders. Otherwise, you can use wood, rocks, iron or steel. If need be, add mature plants The chances are, you won’t have much time to grow new plants in the selling period. So, it’s the perfect opportunity to purchase a couple of new, mature plants that are suited to the time of year, and location. If your property is coastal, remember to purchase plants that’ll survive these conditions. The same rule applies if your property is located in a dry, rural area. Trim and whipper snip As photography and inspection days creep up, be sure to mow your lawn and use a whipper snipper to trim the edges. Ahead of selling, it can be a good idea to get a professional in. They’ll know all the tips and tricks to perfect your turf. Purchase ‘dog rocks’ if you have a furry friend Patchy grass can be quite off-putting. If you haven’t heard of dog rocks, they’re a product used to prevent your dog from leaving nasty stains on your lawn. All you have to do is place them in your dog’s water bowl and your garden will be patch free in no time. Update any rickety fencing If you have any fencing that looking tattered and likely to fall down, now is the time to update. Adding a new fence and planting a new hedge or tree line can make a big difference to your property’s appearance. Fencing is also a great way to separate your garden into modern sections.
3. Update your outdoor entertainment area
If you already have a patio, deck or verandah area, you can prepare it for inspections by buying fresh outdoor cushions, plants and furniture. Don’t want to spend much money on building an outdoor area? You can utilise crushed stone or another garden filler to create a hard surface where you can place outdoor furniture. If you’re selling in summer, adding outdoor living space is a great way to advertise another living space. What’s next? When you’re landscaping before selling, it’s a good idea to chat to your local real estate agent. A good agent will have advice on what buyers are looking for in your area, and will have sold plenty of spectacular gardens throughout their career. If you’d like to find a great real estate agent to help you with home improvements, compare agents now at LocalAgentFinder, including commissions, fees, sales history and independent homeowner reviews. Other articles for you: