Curb appeal, curb appeal, curb appeal. If you’re thinking of putting your house on the market, you are going to hear this phrase over and over.
First impressions matter, especially when buying a home. A well-designed and maintained landscape absolutely helps a home sell faster.
The way a home is landscaped can make or break how long it is on the market. The percentages and dollar amounts vary depending on which study you read. All studies do confirm though that a well landscaped home is worth much more than a poorly landscaped home.
A Texas A&M article titled, “Economic Benefits of Plants,” states that, “landscaping yields an average of a 109% return on every dollar spent, much more so than other home improvements.”
Of course, not all landscaping is created equal and some additions may even decrease the value of your home. If you want to landscape your home the “right way” there are several factors to consider.
Your Lawn
This is without a doubt the best and easiest place to start. Maintaining a healthy, vibrant lawn is the most cost effective way to add value to your property. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, the money invested is well-worth the cost.
Check out this article titled, “Top Money Saving Lawn Care Ideas,” for some tips on budget-friendly ways to take care of your lawn.
Design Plan
More sophisticated designs, such as those that incorporate some types of water features, stonework, and other eye-catching elements, can add more value to your home. This feature is particularly important if your home is located in an urban area, where potential buyers will be looking for ways to stand out from the competition.
The biggest advice tip I can give you is plan out your design. Landscaping requires more than just buying random plants and flowers and placing them throughout your yard. You want plants that will fit in the spaces you have allotted and that will flourish in your soil and climate.
William C. Welch, an Extension Landscape Horticulturist for Texas A&m University says in his article, “Planning the Home Landscape,” that “Americans spend tremendous amounts of money “landscaping” their businesses, homes, streets, parks, schools, etc. Much of this money is wasted, however, because of little or no planning.”
With that in mind, plan with a purpose. Draw out your ideas and research which plants will thrive in your area.
Plant Characteristics
Plants that are larger and of higher quality will also add more value to your home. This is because they will require less maintenance and will last longer than smaller, lower-quality plants. Also, be sure to choose plants that are native to your area, as they will require less water and be more resistant to pests and diseases.
A diversity of plant materials, such as trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennials, will also add more value to your home. This is because it will create a more interesting and inviting landscape that potential buyers will be drawn to.
Irrigation System
A properly installed and efficient irrigation system will save you time and money by watering your plants automatically. It will also add value to your home because it will help reduce weed growth and stimulate plant growth.
Irrigation systems allow you the flexibility to water your landscape even while you are out of town and they are environmentally friendly. Plus, during the rainy season, you can adjust the settings to save yourself even more money.
Lighting
Landscape lighting can not only make your yard more inviting at night, but it also increases the value of your home. This is because well-lit yards are more aesthetically pleasing and can make your home stand out from the competition.
Adding landscape lighting will also bring attention to the plants and flowers and other features that you have worked so hard on. The increased safety benefit is a huge plus. While your lighting will be welcoming to your guests, it will be a deterrent to any intruders.
Fences
A fence can provide privacy and security and increase the value of your home. Potential buyers will see it as a bonus that will save them time and money in the future.
The material of the fence matters. An iron, polyvinyl or wood fence can increase property value more than a chain link fence. Fences that are taller than the normal 4-6ft provide extra security as well as more privacy.
Hardscape Features
Hardscape features, such as patios, decks, walkways, and driveways, can also add value to your home. This is because they add usable space to your yard and can make it more functional and inviting.
Retaining walls and french drains are two of the most economical types of hardscaping. Installing these features equals money in the bank. People do not want sloping or flooded yards. They want flat, easy to maintain yards.
Final Thoughts
Generally speaking, landscaping projects will increase the value of your home anywhere from 5-15%, depending on the type of project and amount of money invested. You can also expect the return on investment (ROI) to be anywhere from 150%, sometimes up to 400%.
This means that if you spend $1,000 on landscaping, you could see an increase in the value of your home from $2,000-$4,000. Another advantage of landscaping is that it will immediately add value to your home as well as continue to add more value over the years as plants and trees mature.
Your friends at JC’s Landscaping would love to help you design the yard of your dreams today. Contact us today with any landscaping questions.
