3 in 4 Real-Estate Agents Have Had Buyers Refuse a Tour Due to This Oversight
Yes, it has to do with curb appeal (er, lack thereof).
Published Mar 30, 2023 2:45 PM
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
Now that spring has officially sprung, it’s time to focus on sprucing up your outdoor space. And while the home improvement possibilities are endless (you could give your siding a fresh coat of paint or add a bocce ball court to your backyard), if you’re looking to sell your property, there’s one upgrade that may benefit you more than you think: landscaping. Specifically, creating a lush and welcoming scene out front.
According to a recent study conducted by Trees.com, 90 percent of real-estate agents say thoughtful landscaping has a positive impact on home value, and nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of them claim they’ve witnessed a buyer refuse to enter a house due to poor outdoor aesthetics. That’s right, they didn’t even make it to the door. So where to begin with your fixer-upper? We’ve pulled some low-lift ideas straight from our favorite yards that’ll add major curb appeal to your home. No one will be turning on their heels.
Foster Community (and Your Taste Buds)
From ripe, juicy tomatoes to fresh and fragrant lavender, you can plant practically anything on your own turf, but we suggest investing in ingredients the entire neighborhood can enjoy (a kid-approved pumpkin patch, perhaps?). It will boost a sense of community and make your space even more covetable to buyers.
Pave the Way
If you’re looking for instant elevation, consider adding large pavers to designate different areas and create clear pathways to the backyard, front door, and driveway on a budget. They’re also a great way to break up large expanses of grass, mulch, or gravel.
Go Au Naturel
Instead of spending time and energy gardening according to strict plans, let nature do its thing—you might actually end up with a wild bloomscape straight out of a fairy tale. If you’re impatient, celebrity landscape designer Lauri Kranz suggests dropping seeds as if you were a bird flying over the landscape. This will result in an unexpected, perfectly imperfect oasis.
Bring the Inside Out
Who said you can’t lounge around (and even entertain) in the front yard? Tap into your space’s unused potential by building a wall with trees and completing your private outdoor living room with a cushy sectional and string lights.