How to best invest
Investing in your property’s value has always been a financially sound decision. However, that doesn’t always mean the best strategies are immediately obvious. Home improvements are one of the common most places where people make investments. However, this can be costly once you get started. You may even find yourself unintentionally living in the midst of a construction site for longer than planned. Fortunately, landscaping is often a faster and more cost-efficient method. Furthermore, realtors and horticulturists have proven landscaping as an effective means of making healthy returns on your investments, year round. The following advice comes from a series of research-backed strategies on how landscaping can raise your property value:
Include large plants in your landscaping design.
According to a Michigan-based study, more mature plants can elevate the sophistication of your yard or landscape. The study revealed that pruned and well-looked after shrubs and trees could add as much as 40.2% to a home’s perceived value.
Focus on sophisticated planting combinations.
In a study conducted at Virginia tech, researchers found that homeowners could drive the perceived value of their properties up by 5.5% to 12.7% by using a cohesive blend of foundation planting, hardscaping and mature plants, such as large deciduous trees, and evergreens. Researchers referred to this successful combination as“design sophistication.”
This meant a property without landscaping previously valued at $150,000 could ask for as much as $8,250 to $19,050 thanks to conscious landscaping improvements alone.
Consistent lawn care and maintenance.
“Curb appeal” refers to the first impression a property makes on a potential homebuyers. Realtors agree that a well-maintained lawn has a massive impact on “curb appeal.” Additionaly, clearing leaves and debris is good practice to reduce drainage problems, along with the risks of hardscaping stains.
The National Association of Landscaping Professionals discovered that scheduled mowing, fertilization and mulching yielded returns on property investment as high as 267%. This means basic yard maintenance gives you the biggest bang for your buck if you’re looking to impress homebuyers.
Making a lasting impression.
Horticulturists concluded in the Virginia Tech study that: “investing in the services of a landscape design professional will optimize the value of a home.”
The landscape that surrounds your property always contributes to the first impression and a clear intentional design can not only draw the eyes of home buyers, but it can linger in their minds and set your property apart from the others. So, why wait?
Call or click for a free consultation with a North Metro Landscape specialists and see how you can raise your property value today.
