Transform Your Landscaping to Add Value to Your Home

When most homeowners think about selling their home, one of the first things they do is evaluate the interior of the house to look for areas that need repairs or updating to add value to the home. While some projects may not see a great return on the investment, there are often smaller projects that do increase the value of the home or greatly increase your chances of selling. Making a few updates to the kitchen, for example, can create a space that leaves a great impression on potential buyers.

When it comes to the exterior of the home, however, many sellers look only at curb appeal and making repairs. They don't always think about small changes they could make to their landscaping to add value or appeal. Instead of only looking at what needs repairs or maintenance, take a look at what you could change. Here are some areas you might consider improving in order to add more value to the property or make it more appealing.

Convert Flower Beds to Container Gardens

Weeding your flower beds and keeping them under control, especially during the spring and summer, is a major chore. It can be difficult to keep this part of your landscaping looking amazing, especially if your home is on the market for several months. One easy solution is to convert your flowerbeds over to a container garden. It's a fairly inexpensive change that will save you time while also creating a very nice visual for potential buyers.

First, transplant any flowers you want to keep into pots. These pots can be any size you want, but you do want to take the time to visualize what will look best. In some cases, you may want to purchase large pots, but in other cases, mixing different sizes and shapes can create an interesting visual. Don't assume you need to purchase expensive stone pots, either. You can often find inexpensive plastic flower pots that look very nice.

Next, till up the flowerbed and put down a weed barrier. Cover the barrier with mulch, rocks, or any other groundcover that looks nice. Then either sit your pots directly on the groundcover or put in paver stones to serve as bases. You may need a decorative edge to keep the mulch and stones in place, but those are also quite affordable.

The final result is a flowerbed that still looks amazing, but doesn't take as much time to weed. Besides the improved curb appeal, buyers who don't want to devote a lot of time or money to landscaping are likely to find your container garden very attractive. Neighborhoods that tend to attract elderly buyers or young professionals may find that potential buyers actually prefer container gardens.

Simplify the Landscaping

Another change you could make to your landscaping is to simplify it. If your flowerbeds in the front or sides of the house are overly full of different flowers, plants, bushes, and smaller trees, you may want to consider cleaning it up and removing some plants. This can give your landscaping a very clean look while also making it much more manageable.

You may want to take a different approach to your backyard. This is the part of your landscaping that many people see as an outdoor oasis or retreat. You want the landscaping to look elegant and inviting. Take your time considering what creates an inviting space. Also keep in mind the general audience for your home. If your neighborhood is mostly made up of families, potential buyers may have children. In that case, a lot of rosebushes and other flowers with prickly leaves or thorns may not be the best option to have planted around the house.

You don't necessarily have to remove anything, either. Sometimes, simply pruning and cutting back shrubs and larger flowers or bushes can change how the exterior looks. This also gives the space a cleaner look that buyers find more attractive. If any area looks a little overgrown, trim it back. The change may amaze you and add to the curb appeal.

Talk to Your Agent

Your real estate agent understands what potential buyers want and how to improve curb appeal. They will look at the exterior of your home as well as the interior and point out areas they feel could be improved. Listen to what they have to say and make changes accordingly.

If you're a part of the LGBTQ community, you may want to work with a gay or lesbian agent. They understand your unique needs, wants, and concerns. They will be able to assist you in selling your home and in finding your dream home to buy. You can find one of these agents online at www.GayRealEstate.com, a website that has been helping the LGBTQ community with home buying and selling since 1991.