How To Increase Your Property Value
Curb appeal is a common term we‘re all familiar with for what is known as the attractiveness of the exterior of your home. Essentially, it is the urge or “appeal” of a house that makes a person turn their head to look at it, or that small taste of nostalgia that makes an unfamiliar place feel like home. With the home buying market hot and continuing to see progression, curb appeal is incredibly influential for a first impression and can add anywhere from 5-20% property value is some cases.
According to the National Association of Realtors, 88% of homebuyers begin their search for a new home online and 63% of homebuyers will stop by after viewing a home they like online. Curb appeal can vary from painting your mailbox to a certain type of window, but a large focal point for most curb appeal is the front yard. Although landscaping can be pricey, even modest landscaping such as keeping a well-kept lawn can increase curb appeal and gain the right attention.
So how do you get the right attention for your yard? Let’s start with what not to do.
- Don’t overcrowd the area with too many plants or features.
When it is overdone or it looks like it might be too much work to maintain, people tend to be turned off by extra maintenance. Even that one characteristic can influence a person’s opinions of everything else related to the entire house. This can be referred to as “The Halo Effect” and is a large factor why some decide not to buy. Don’t let that be what holds back a sale!
- Don’t use chemicals to get rid of weeds.
If you use some kind of chemical spray to diminish those pesky weeds you risk the chance of also killing your grass. Instead, just pick them out yourself. That way you know your lawn isn’t at risk.
- Don’t have debris on your lawn.
Keep sticks, rocks, leaves, etc. off of your lawn. It not only can be a severe eye sore that shows lack of care but it can easily be raked up. It’s small, but makes a big difference.
- Don’t mow too short.
Don’t remove more than 2/3 of the grass blade. Taller grass not only has a lush and full look to it but it’s better for your lawn’s root growth too. That being said, be careful that you don’t have your grass too tall. If it’s too tall it will seem as though you were too lazy to properly cut it at a decent length.
Now, for what you should be doing to your lawn! These can, and should, be applied not only to those seeking extra curb appeal, but those who also want to maintain their lawn well.
- Topdress
Put topsoil or compost on top of your lawn’s surface and rake it until it’s spread evenly about a quarter of an inch. Doing this will help not only keep your roots healthy, but will also improve its water retention. Do this 2-3 weeks before a showing/posting photos online for best results.
- Overseed
Match what kind of seed you’ll need with your sod, spread it over your existing lawn and then water it every day for 3 weeks. What this is going to do for your lawn is the equivalent to getting champagne in your hotel room instead of shampoo and conditioner. For an already healthy lawn it’s going to make your yard feel more luxurious and people will love it. For a worn lawn it’ll be what brings your grass back to life. After a few weeks your lawn will be thick and voluminous and it’ll give you that extra kicker. Overseeding should be done in fall or spring for best results and be sure to mow the grass short before spreading the seed.
- Fertilize and water
It may seem obvious but keep up with fertilizing and watering your yard frequently. Put your fertilizer spreader on the lowest setting possible and fertilize your lawn once a month. It may seem like a lot but fertilizing lightly, more frequently will make your lawn look incredible. It’ll have that long-lasting deep green color that everyone wants in a yard.
- Edging and trimming
Finally, be sure to keep up with your edging and trimming. If a patch of grass grows 3 times faster because it got an extra dose of water than the rest of the yard, give it a quick trim to make it even again. Another good tip is to sweep off your sidewalk after trimming and clearing debris.
Getting your house ready for sale usually means a lot of upgrading, labor, and maintenance all around, but curb appeal starts at the basics so don’t forget about your yard! It may not seem like the most important feature right away but don’t push it to the bottom of the list. A great yard takes time. Plan ahead, do a little maintenance every week and it’ll be in good shape once you’re ready to put your house on the market.
