Landscaping to Help Your Property Sell: Part II
Last week, we discussed the basics of landscaping, how to get started, and began with the first and most common improvements to make. We’ll continue this week by tackling some of the more expensive and labor-intensive aspects of landscaping. Because there’s a narrower window between their costs and benefits, trees and hard-scape additions deserve special consideration and thoughtful planning. Mistakes or unnecessary additions can be costly, so with so much riding on this aspect of your overall plan, it’s important to understand that not all landscaping improvements are created equal, so to speak. It may be tempting to deck the place out with hard-scape adornments such as fire pits and ornate fountains, but for the money some improvements cost they may not yield an acceptable return, and it’s crucial to understand which ones are viable investments and which ones aren’t.
Trees can add value, but only to the extent that they don’t become either a nuisance or a liability. They provide canopy, shade and insulation from sun, but they can also lead to a variety of issues. Roots can damage the foundation of the home or crack a driveway, and the trees themselves can pose a hazard if they die. It should go without saying that you should promptly remove any dead trees from the property. For all their benefits, it’s important to keep in mind that trees too close to the house or driveway can present a hazard from falling limbs, and the tree doesn’t have to be dead for this to be a possibility. While we’re not saying remove all trees from the lawn, be aware of their location and health and consider removing any that present potential problem. While most buyers may not mind raking leaves in the fall, they’re nonetheless unlikely to appreciate fruit or nut-bearing trees for the clutter they’ll produce on the lawn. Consider getting rid of those if possible, and definitely don’t add them. On the whole, planting trees is largely unnecessary, but like we said earlier, if you need to cover a portion of the property of block out the neighbor’s unsightly gnome-filled lawn, consider planting manageable fast-growing trees such as bamboo or even a tall bush.
Beyond tree removal, hard-scape additions are where you’ll find yourself incurring the greatest cost. Because of that, you’ll want to carefully assess just how much value they may add to your property overall. For example, if you were to add a brick or stone patio to the back yard, it may not be cost-effective to finish the job with an $800 set of medium-quality lawn furniture; it’s important to know what things potential home buyers prize and what they may be ambivalent towards. We mentioned this in the first blog of this series, but understanding the preferences of the market and anticipating what potential buyers have in mind before they view your property will go a long way in helping you determine which hard-scape additions are worthy investments.
When it comes to adding hard-scape improvements, remember that not all are necessary. For example, a fire pit may be functional, but its overall addition to the value of the property is unlikely to justify its cost, and the same goes for fountains. On the other hand, a cobblestone walkway is likely to be much better received by a potential buyer than simple concrete. Things like solar lights lining the walkway and driveway are simple, hassle-free, and cheap additions to make. Buyers also value privacy and the ability to actually use their lawns as extensions of their homes, so wooden fences and patios are smart investments. You’ll likely be wasting money by installing a chain-link fence because though it may be practical, it’s not as appealing or private as a wooden one. By the same token, a stone or brick patio laid into the back yard is more durable and pleasing to the eye than a deck hastily put together with two-by-fours. Remember, it’s all about the initial impression the property makes on the buyer, so pay attention to aesthetics and go for an appealing look rather than adding adornments. The key is balancing simplicity against the potential return on your investment, and the best landscaping job is one that’s simple, elegant, and beautiful.
We mentioned this already, but it’s worth repeating: planning ahead is important for all aspects of selling a property, and landscaping is no exception. You should expect that it will take some time to do properly, and plan accordingly. For example, if your goal is to have the property sold by Spring, you should begin landscaping in the Fall. As a final note, landscapers are always cheaper in off-season months, so if you can, plan to get the work done in a season when they haven’t much work. Not only are you more likely to find a good landscaper who’s available, but you may also be able to get a good deal as well.
Be sure to check our blog regularly for more advice on the art of real estate investment, and look in the Homes for Sale and Coming Soon sections on our website for updates, listings, and more!
– Get It Right Solutions