A 2013 National Association of Realtors survey revealed that curb appeal is important to 71% of homebuyers. If customers don't like the front of the house, which includes landscaping, they may not go inside.
Homeguides’ Cam Merritt says landscaping is one of the few home improvements you can make that not only adds instant impact but also increases in value as the years go by. Interior decor and design go out of style, appliances wear out, but quality plants grow fuller each year.
A well-landscaped home has a significant price advantage over a home without. That advantage ranges from 5.5% to 12.7%, translating into an extra $16K to $38K in value on a $300,000 home.
Where do you start? Hire a landscape designer or at least draw up a master plan for your yard. Do the research to avoid disappointments and unnecessary work for yourself.
Limit the number of plants and consider the maintenance involved. Aim for simple elegance. According to Money magazine, even amateurs can get a professional-looking landscape for $500 to $3,000 worth of plants and materials, if they are willing to do the work.
Having a long-term landscaping plan is important even if you plan to stay in your home. Consider a 5-year plan with plantings maturing at varying rates, and adding yearly. This allows you to work within your budget and gives you the time necessary to complete the work.
It’s been estimated that quality landscaping has the potential to pay a 215% return in home value on money invested, whereas a kitchen renovation may only recoup 68%. Now, that’s money well spent. Not to mention the priceless joy and peace that a beautiful setting brings to our home.
