Boosting Curb Appeal: How Landscaping Impacts Your Property Value
A historic home on Tampa Bay gets a curb appeal boost with blooms lining the front walkway, large terracotta planters, and Florida-friendly landscaping that will continue to grow and age with the home.
Landscaping is an investment in your home, but how much does it really impact your property’s value? Research has shown that high-quality, well-maintained landscaping can increase home value anywhere from 5-20%. And interestingly, poor or no landscaping can actually decrease the value of your property.
Consider the following:
Curb appeal is your buyer’s first impression. A home with great curb appeal can result in more buyers and lead to higher offers.
If your landscaping is a step above other homes in your neighborhood, it will stand out as being of higher value than the rest, which can help if you’re selling in a competitive market.
When your landscaping looks professional, it communicates that the rest of the home and property are also well-maintained. This can lead to a higher appraisal value and faster sale.
Specific elements like outdoor patios, shade trees, or mature landscaping can significantly increase your home’s appeal and perceived value.
A 1920s bungalow in the historic Beacon Hill neighborhood in Lakeland, Florida has its Florida charm restored with fresh landscaping.
How can I boost my home’s curb appeal?
Simple lawn care and maintenance goes a long way. Regular mowing and pruning will keep your landscape from detracting from your home.
Strategically placed trees can decrease your electric bill, create respite from our hot Florida sun, and even protect surrounding landscaping during cold snaps.
Creating colorful flower beds can add visual appeal and using perennials is a popular choice because they return year after year.
Outdoor lighting can highlight your landscape’s best features, deter burglary attempts, and add to the overall ambiance of your home.
A South Lakeland home got new landscaping that better suited the new owner’s taste. Colorful blooms and expanded planting beds make the home seem grander and more welcoming.
Things to avoid if selling your home is in the near future:
Overly personalized features such as custom-built sculptures or large water features.
Large swaths of artificial grass. It can get very hot in direct sun, so using a lot of it can create unusable spaces in the middle of the day.
A disproportionate amount of hardscaping. Too much concrete or pavers can look more industrial than homey, which will be a turn-off for potential buyers wanting an inviting feel.
Neglecting seasonal maintenance such as pruning overgrown plants and not maintaining your tree canopy not only makes your property look unkempt, but it can also create safety issues during hurricane season.
Regular maintenance keeps your property looking tidy and gives potential buyers the impression that the rest of your property is also well-maintained.
A well-landscaped property is something you and your family can enjoy now, and if the day comes that you decide to sell, it will be a fantastic selling point for any potential buyers. If you’re finding yourself overwhelmed with the landscape planning and installation process, feel free to reach out and I’d love to help you see your vision turned into a reality! Until then…
Stay Dirty,
Ashley