“Should I landscape my front or backyard before selling?”
Many homeowners have gone back and forth on this question leading up to the sale of their home. While refreshing the exterior areas of your property can have significant benefits for your bottom line, landscaping projects are costly, time-consuming, and often require some level of aftercare. Here’s what to consider if you’re weighing the pros and cons of landscaping before you sell!
Pros of Landscaping Before Selling
At first blush, it may seem like a shame to invest in landscaping right before you walk away from the property. However, it’s important not to underestimate landscaping as a powerful selling tool!
Increases Your Home’s Value
How much does landscaping add to your home value, exactly? Depending on the scope of the project, a landscape renovation can add up to 28% to your home’s value! Of course, many factors influence the impact of your landscape on the final sale price of your home, such as the quality of the design, the functionality of the space, and curb appeal to buyers.
While it may not be necessary to completely reimagine your front or backyard spaces, there are certainly benefits to consulting with a landscape designer early on before your house hits the market. A trained eye like theirs can help you zero in on the aspects of your landscape with the highest potential to boost your return.
Depending on the scope of the project, a landscape renovation can add up to 28% to your home’s value.
Attracts More Buyers
The housing market in Edmonton is highly competitive. Part of the reason the potential value of a renewed landscape is because a great landscape makes for a more desirable property. From the MLS® listing to the promotional video on your realtor’s website, your home’s curb appeal is the first thing that will catch the eye of your target buyers. Many buyers won’t even read a listing if they aren’t drawn to the home’s exterior. When your landscape has the ‘wow’ factor, it’s bound to attract more views, more showings, and ultimately more offers.
Improves Your Quality of Life Pre-Sale
Over the past year, Edmontonians learned firsthand how valuable it is to have an outdoor space to retreat to. If you’re preparing your house for sale, this extra living space can really come in handy. If you plan to do any major renovations to your home’s interior, particularly if the project will span several weeks or months, a quiet outdoor sanctuary is sure to be a godsend. You’ll appreciate being able to bring your work laptop out into a serene space while the power tools grind away inside!
Cons of Landscaping Before Selling
While we’re confident in the benefits of landscaping for sellers, we also recognize that virtually any outdoor renovation is a major decision. Here are some of the factors to consider when thinking through your options.
Cost
Like all worthwhile home improvements, landscaping is an investment. It’s always best to use your discretion when deciding whether a purchase on this scale makes the most sense for your situation. We advise working with your real estate agent to evaluate your situation and determine whether you should landscape your front or backyard before selling. Everyone’s situation is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Timeline
If you’re looking for a quick sale, or you’ve already made an offer contingent on the sale of your home, your timeline may not allow for a landscaping project. The mid-point of a landscaping project is not an ideal time to start booking showings, and while our crewmates are some of the most efficient in the business, quality workmanship does take time. If you are committed to upgrading the landscape before selling your home, make sure to factor in the time needed to complete the project, plus a little bit of wiggle room.
Maintenance Required
In most cases, your new landscape will require some amount of maintenance to keep it looking pristine while on the market. Depending on your timeline for selling and whether you’re opting for a low-maintenance landscape design, the amount of maintenance can vary widely. Often, the landscape looks its best a few months after completion when any new sod or plantings have settled in. Consider whether you’ll have the resources to maintain your new landscape between the project end date and your expected time of sale. Keep in mind that delays can always occur during the sales process, so be prepared to maintain the landscape a little longer than you’d like.
Book a Consultation
If you’ve weighed these pros and cons and you’re ready to learn more, the next step is to book a consultation with a Salisbury landscape designer. As one of Edmonton’s most reliable landscaping companies, we’ve built our reputation on providing honest, detailed information to homeowners through every stage of their journey. Get in touch today!