by Sarah Ashton, Broker Associate
Ashton-Kirchner Group, Keller Williams Realty
Various sources, from lenders to horticultural groups, estimate that the value added from attractive landscaping, to a home at resale, ranges from 5% – 20% of the value. WOW!
We all know that, as a buyer, when you look at a property, you get an immediate first impression whether you like it or not. This is usually from looking at the front of the building and the surrounding area.. Sometimes it is the architecture, sometimes it is the color and sometimes it is the plants and the landscaping.
These days, in our post Hurricane Ian recovery it is easy to ignore the need for the curb appeal as it is lower on the list to be addressed right now. Priorities tell us that we need to get the structure back together first. And that is correct – an intact property is the priority. However, it is also of great benefit, whether selling or not, to make the front of your property appealing. This is not only good if you decide to sell, but also a real morale boost to you while you are living there.
It also does not have to be a full blown landscape plan. It can be as simple as wacking down the weeds and putting a small area of crushed shell around the entry and a small planter with something alive and colorful. This small addition to the front of the property goes a long way in the “improved mindset” category.
Certainly, if you are considering selling your property in the not too distant future, improving more of the landscaping is advisable. As more properties come on the market it will be more important to both, keep up with the competition as well as to possibly stand above with respect to how buyers feel when they pull into the driveway.
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