Are you thinking about putting extra effort into your outdoor space, but aren’t sure where to begin? After all, you don’t want to sink your hard-earned cash into additions and renovations that you won’t recoup if you ever sell. We have researched some of the best updates a homeowner can make to their landscaping, and these landscaping ideas are sure to increase the value of your home.
Replace and Refresh
First off, don’t plan big changes until you’ve taken care of the small repairs that you’ve been overlooking. Re-hang that shutter that fell last fall, replace those burned-out light bulbs, and paint your front columns and porch. Seal your driveway and replace all the old doorknobs. Throw out your old, barely standing mailbox and add a sturdier model complete with your house numbers on it. Freshening your outdoor area is essential to showcase the other improvements you make.
Buy A New Front Door
A beautiful front door sets the tone for your entire home. Choose a rich wood door, or a heavy-duty steel door. Choose one that has small windows and don’t forget to add upscale hardware and locks. If you’re going to paint your door, think carefully about the color so that it shows your personality while still complementing the look of your exterior. If your budget is tight, painting your existing door and adding a kick plate at the bottom is a great way to refresh without breaking the bank.
Plant Greenery and Flowers
An empty yard isn’t inviting, but it doesn’t take much to spruce it up. Plant some evergreen shrubs around the front and sides and plant a few flowers for color. Trees add an inviting element to your front and back yards. Scatter them strategically across your lawn to create more interest. And don’t forget the area around your mailbox, which is one of the first areas buyers see. Plant some colorful perennials of different varieties so you can have beautiful blooming flowers from spring to fall.
Add Outdoor Lighting
Setting your home apart from others on the market can be accomplished with the right investment in outdoor lighting. Motion-sensor lighting offers a safety factor by deterring burglars, while lit paths and lighting around trees and flower beds showcase your gardening efforts. Outdoor lighting is a great way to add value to your home if you ever choose to sell.
Build A New Deck or Patio
Outdoor living is trending big, and buyers look for ways to use their outdoor space effectively. Find a good spot and contract a landscaper to build you a patio or a deck in your backyard. You’ll gain many hours of enjoyment with it, and still be able to recoup its cost if you ever decide to sell.
Invest in Solar Panels
This is a hefty investment, but it can pay off big down the road. By adding them to your sun-receiving roof, you can harness the sun’s energy and use it for your electricity. If you don’t use it all, some electric companies will even buy it from you. With millennials being the largest segment of homebuyers, and being deeply committed to protecting the environment, installing solar panels makes your home instantly more marketable.
Install A Sprinkler System
Not only will it be convenient for you to water your newly improved lawn, it will be attractive to buyers to know they can take advantage of it, too. Another big benefit is that, over time, it will save you time and water, which translates into money savings.
Replace the Garage Doors
Few upgrades change the look of your house as dramatically as getting rid of the old garage doors. Yes, this can be costly, but fresh, new doors make a statement that the home has been well cared for. Choose doors that have small windows, or interesting patterns to draw the eye.
Invest In An Outdoor Kitchen
Most of our ideas center on the front yard and creating positive curb appeal, but an outdoor kitchen adds an entirely new, and awesome, element to your back yard. It encourages a lifestyle that embraces the outdoors and promotes entertaining. If you decide to put your house on the market, potential buyers will be impressed by the convenience and luxury of a home that offers the ability to cook outside.
A property listing may focus on the square footage and number of bedrooms, but those stats aren’t the only components buyers want. An outdoor space that’s attractive where homeowners can relax, enjoy their families, and entertain friends is becoming more important than ever. If you’re thinking about some landscaping ideas, make sure you invest your money in upgrades that will make your home more marketable and sell for a higher price. Then enjoy those improvements yourself until you decide to sell!
At The Real Estate Firm, our agents are experienced in knowing what landscaping improvements can be made to get your home sold faster. When you are ready to sell, contact us at 865-770-4030 or fill out our online form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.