Planning to Sell? Use These Landscaping Tips to Improve Curb Appeal and Attract More Buyers

Curb appeal has always been a critical factor in selling a home, but with today's focus on digital marketing, landscaping becomes even more of an important factor. Today's prospective buyers usually get their first glimpse of a home online, and what they see depicted in a digital photo or web tour can determine whether they will want to proceed with viewing the home or whether they will simply lose interest and move on to the next available listing. Homeowners who are preparing their homes for sale and want to maximize their curb appeal should start by making sure their landscaping is doing its share to make their home attractive, more valuable, and more inviting to both prospective buyers and real estate agents.

Start With the Hardscape

While not actually growing or green, hardscape areas are an integral part of the overall curb appeal and landscape of the home, and tending to them can help you stand out, even in a competitive real estate market like North West Calgary. Cracked or stained driveways, overgrown sidewalks, or clutter can distract prospective buyers and diminish their interest. 

Sellers who want their homes to look their best for every viewing or marketing photo should take time to remove all unnecessary objects from these areas and make sure the surfaces are clean and in good repair. This means having cracks patched, pressure-washing to remove oil and dirt, and removing trash cans and other items from view. 

Once the surfaces are clean and clear, sellers can use attractive potted plants, statuary, or a simple bench or grouping of lawn furniture to add focal interest and appeal to these areas. 

Make Sure Existing Trees and Shrubs are Healthy and Attractively Trimmed

Trees and shrubbery add real value to a home, but only when they are healthy and attractively trimmed. Sellers who have overgrown trees or bushes or those with trees that have storm or insect damage should consider having them trimmed or removed to help improve the appearance of the entire yard. 

In addition, trees and shrubbery that touch the home or other structures on the property can cause damage and repair issues, including paint, siding, gutter, and roof damage that is sure to be noticed by both buyers and home inspectors. Sellers can avoid this type of problem by opting to remove or prune any tree or vegetation that is now touching the home or those that will be soon. 

Take Steps to Ensure the Lawn is Healthy and Green 

A green, lush lawn helps to frame the home attractively and provide buyers with a memorable image that will make them want to see the inside. Pet damage, discolored areas, or a weedy lawn in need of mowing and trimming can leave buyers wondering about how well the home has been maintained. If the lawn is in really poor condition, buyers may decide they are not interested in the home, before they even go inside. 

Keeping a lawn green and attractive takes a lot of work. Sellers who do not have the time to get this done due to family and work commitments may want to engage regular professional lawn care services while their home is being prepared for the market and throughout the listing period. This type of regular care will ensure the lawn is cut, trimmed, seeded, and fertilized on a regular schedule to help it recover and become greener and more lush. 

For more great ways to improve landscaping and help your home offer greater curb appeal, sellers should take time to tour the property with their listing agent. Their agent will be able to point out potential issues and offer suggestions to help resolve them.