“First impressions are incredibly important” – is a phrase you’ve likely heard many times throughout your life, and this couldn’t be more true, especially in real estate.

Regardless of budget, style preference, or location, buying a home is a big decision for anyone.

After all, buying a home is a longstanding investment for most people and is commonly referred to as a significant step in life.

All that said, if you are looking to sell your home successfully, you must consider your potential buyer’s first impression.

“Curb appeal” – Is another phrase you’ve likely heard many times, and in real estate, curb appeal is where you have your best shot at offering potential buyers a stunning first impression.

But how? What about your landscaping could spark (or damage) someone’s interest in buying your home?

Let’s discuss!

Landscaping for Potential Homebuyers

When it comes to your home’s landscaping, you don’t want to come across as too careless or too over the top; potential buyers WILL notice.

Properly landscaping your home to sell requires a sense of direction and restraint to reach that beautiful first impression sweet spot that every homebuyer looks for.

In this article, we share a few ways you can achieve just that!

Declutter, Organize, & Shine

Although this may not seem like a big one, it does make a significant difference for the first impression of your home.

In this step, you’ll need to evaluate your landscape’s sore spots (front to back) and develop a reasonable plan of action.

What do we mean by reasonable? Well, you are just aiming to spruce up your landscaping for the sale of your home, not install custom fountains, and invite the president over for lunch; keep it simple!

If you have toys, tools, or even “dog-business” all over your lawn, understand that these things are eyesores for potential buyers and should be addressed before you list your home for sale.

This step is all about organization, cleanliness, and minimizing distractions for potential buyers.

Complete Necessary Repairs

Repairs are another essential part of readying any home for sale.

The point of addressing small repairs and replacements now is to keep your potential homebuyer’s minds off of maintenance they’ll have to consider before they even agree to buy.

You want potential buyers to feel relaxed, comfortable, and even inspired to some degree by the first impression of your home.

• If you have sprinkler heads you’ve meant to fix over the past year, fix them now.
• If your deck has a few rough areas where wood planks could stand to be replaced, make a quick trip to home depot and get it done, you’ll be glad you did.
• If you have a storage shed in the back that has seen better days, consider a fresh paint job.
• If your mailbox is beginning to look old, worn, and rusted, replace it. Maybe even build a brick mailbox to add a little extra sophistication.

Pull, Cut, Trim, Treat, & Repeat

Here’s where the real work comes in; you knew it was coming, so strap on your gardening gloves!

• Start this phase of your landscaping project by de-weeding your lawn as much as possible.
• Next, cut back any overgrown trees that may be distracting. Likewise, if you have trees that could pose a threat to the home, have them removed.
• Once your trees are situated, trim and shape any bushes to bring the general appeal back into your lawn.
• Now that the significant sweat-worthy phases are out of the way let’s talk grass!

Think of grass as the flooring for your lawn; it takes up a lot of surface space and can’t be missed, whether it’s in the best or worst conditions.

You want to make sure you give yourself plenty of time for grass care before you list your home.

To do this, begin regularly mowing your grass in clean, consistent directions. It is also essential that you edge, water, treat, and repeat this process until your home is sold!

Lucky for you, this kind of maintenance can be easily and affordably acquired through local lawn companies.

Plant, Stage, & Bring to Life

• Thoughtfully planting trees is a great way to bring your lawn to life and offer a little shade.
• You can also arrange low maintenance foliage around the entrance of your home to create an inviting atmosphere.
• If you have a spacious front porch, consider adding a fresh coat of paint, installing a porch swing, and creatively placing a few flower pots.

Keep in mind throughout your landscaping projects that sometimes less is more. Adding a few lively outdoor staples is fantastic, but try not to overdo it by adhering too much to one specific style or another. You want everyone to feel comfortable walking up to the front door.

Maintain Your Landscaping, Enjoy the Compliments, & List!

Now that you can’t stop looking at your lawn every 30 minutes to admire your hard work, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor by selling your home with pride!

To get the best price for your piece of paradise, be sure to contact an experienced real estate company like Key Realtors.

Our team of professionals is more than happy to take on the sale of your home and get you into the next stages of your journey; give us a call today!