Landscaping Changes You Should Make Before Selling

When you're ready to sell your house, you know it's important to make repairs and spruce up your home's interior so that you can come closer to getting your asking price. But it's not just the interior that counts. You should also take a good hard look at the landscape and make a list of things that could be improved. A neat, well-maintained landscape that shows loving care will make an impression. There's just nothing like a well-tended expanse of green lawn, along with some eye-catching color in flower beds to lure the drive-bys into stopping and taking a closer look.

So what makes sense to repair, upgrade, or renovate in your landscaping?

1. The lawn
   A well-maintained lawn is one of the best ways to boost your property's curb appeal. A rich expanse of cool green will communicate that your property has been well and lovingly cared for. It takes more than one season to create a nice lawn, so start in the spring, using pre-emergent to get rid of weeds. Follow up by planting sparse areas with sod or grass seed. Be sure to monitor for weeds, using spot herbicides as needed. Likewise, look for pest damage from grubs, chinch bugs, and other common pests. Make sure your lawn is well watered (about an inch of water a week); pay particular attention to watering new sod. Installing an irrigation system to keep the grass watered will be an attractive upgrade.
   
   
2. Flower beds
   Creating flower beds, whether perennials or annuals, can help sell your home. Flower beds can go along the front of the house, around trees, or in front of shrub plantings, or as a berm in the middle of the yard, with a border of pavers or flashing to delineate the bed. Flower beds are a way to add color all during the growing season. Planting annuals, which you can change as the season progresses, are a quick way to get some color in your landscape. After planting, add mulch, both to retain moisture and suppress weeds, as well as to give the flower beds a finished look. Keep flower beds weed-free during the time you're trying to sell your home.
   
   
3. Trees and shrubs 
   Tidy up your trees and shrubs. You don't have to be a topiary artist, but do aim for trimming hedges into even, neat shapes. If trees are looking shaggy and limbs are sagging, hire a pro to trim them neatly. Make sure limbs are cut away from the roofline.
   
   
4. Special features
   Ponds, waterfalls, and fancy planters can be beautiful but may not be that attractive to a prospective buyer. These features sometimes require considerable maintenance to keep in good repair, so prospective buyers may not find them appealing. Consider taking out any of these features that might detract from the overall picture of your home as a desirable place to live.
   
   
5. Decks and patios
   While some outdoor features are not that appealing, a patio or deck can be very attractive to potential buyers. But make sure these features are in good shape. Start by cleaning them, and in the case of the deck, repainting if need be. The deck should also be of sound construction so that it feels steady. If it wobbles and obviously needs some repairs, bite the bullet and have it repaired. Clean patio slabs. There is a patio cleaning product specifically for this purpose.

Above all, make sure the exterior of your property is clean, weed free, and that plants, including the lawn, are neatly trimmed.

• Spring Décor Updates to Brighten Your Home
• Simple Daily Habits to Maintain a Cleaner Home
• Don't Let Winter Win: How to Freeze-Proof Your Garage
• How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater
• Winterproofing Windows and Doors: A Guide to Keeping the Cold Out
• How to Future-Proof Your Home for Changing Needs
• Home Happiness 101: Small Upgrades That Can Make Every Day Feel Better
• Fall Cleaning Tips For Decluttering Before the Holidays
• How to Create a Cozy Fall Retreat in Your Backyard
• Why Fall is Prime Time for Window Replacement

• Tips for Transitioning Your Closet From Summer to Fall
• Why September Is the Best Month to Paint Your Home's Exterior

• The Best Home Styles for Enjoying Spring Weather
• What to Do the First Week in Your New Home
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
• How to Research Crime and Safety
• What Buyers Need to Know About Home Warranties
• Browsing for Homes Online? Follow These Shopping Tips
• How to Look Past Bad Staging
• What Happens If Interest Rates Change After You Buy?
• How to Compare Two Homes You Love

• Post-Holiday Finances: How to Reset Your Budget for Home Buying
• New Year, New Home: How to Set Smart Home-Buying Goals for the Year Ahead

• Packing Tips for Sellers: Preparing for a Spring Move
• What to Store, Donate, or Toss Before Listing
• What Buyers Notice First in Listing Photos
• How Spring Sellers Can Enter The Market With Confidence
• Tax Considerations Home Sellers Should Know About
• The One-Room-at-a-Time Spring Prep Strategy
• What's the Difference Between Listing a Home and Marketing It?
• How to Respond to Buyer Feedback Without Panicking
• Transparency Builds Trust: Why Honesty Sells Homes Faster
• Winter Selling Myths That Shouldn't Keep You From Listing

• The Value of Local Market Knowledge When Selling Your Home
• Selling in Snowy Conditions: Safety, Access, and Presentation Tips