Landscaping Tips for a Quick Home Sale

By, Lisa Roberts

Ah yes, the all-important first impression. There's a reason we spend so much time preparing for a first date; we know that if it doesn't go well, the chances of there being a second date are minimal. The same applies to your home. You want to entice the buyer, draw him in, and show him why your house is the best option out there. Home staging is an art in and of itself, and there are plenty of tips and techniques you can utilize to get the best result. You have to plan out all the details; everything must be immaculate. You declutter, check the lighting, maybe even move the furniture around a little. Yet, as you're doing all of that, you can't get rid of that nagging feeling deep in the pit of your stomach that you've forgotten something. Then you hear an unfamiliar voice from outside give out an incredulous yelp, 'Look at the state of that yard!' and it's over before it has even begun. Here are some landscaping tips for a quick real estate sale to stop the above scenario from becoming a reality.

Time is Money

Before we take a good look at some curb appeal boosting tips, we should point out that they will not only help secure the deal faster. You see, landscaping can also increase the value of your property, making it all the more important. You can save on time and earn more. Landscapingincreases appraisal. Keep this in mind at all times.

You will be looking at a decent ROI in most cases as long as you don't go overboard. A six-foot marble statue of Poseidon, as the centerpiece of your newly installed fountain, is never going to earn its money back. A layer of fresh mulch will.

Moderation is the key, so don't go overboard! 

First Things First

Timing is everything. If your potential buyers will be coming around in two days, it's too late. Landscaping cannot be a simple afterthought; it needs to be adequately planned ahead of time. Get a jump on things early, giving yourself a lot of pressure-free hours to inspect everything from the ground up, or, in other words, from the weeds to the gutters on your roof. Starting at least a month before the first showing also allows it to have a more natural look. It won't look forced or fake. Since you are performing some landscaping, now could also be the time to think about overall curb appeal and ways to enhance it to leave a lasting first impression.

A Splash of Color

The marketing agencies know it, parents know it, we all know it. Whether you are a child or an adult who is only reluctantly conceding to this fact, bright colors draw the eye. They give a remarkable impression of vibrancy and beauty if they are implemented tastefully. Nobody wants to see a drab-looking house lacking color and life. There's nothing to suggest an exciting new life awaiting the new owner. Of course, while one flower is not very expensive, trying to fill every nook and cranny with them can do a number on your bank account. Plant some bright-colored annuals. Hanging a few baskets filled with them can be an interesting and inexpensive approach too. Remember, you want to show off all the potential your home has. Tickle the buyer's imagination; they will redecorate once they move in; they just need to see all the possibilities at their disposal. If you are on a tight budget, be clever with the positioning of said flowers. Placing them near the front door could have a greater effect than in some random positions in the yard.

Trim, Don't Cut

If you have a tree or maybe several, don't you dare cut them down! That sounded a bit more threatening than intended. Of course, it is up to you, but studies have shown that trees bring in the big bucks. Buyers love to see them, which instantly increases your home's value. However, what you should do is take good care of them. Cut and trim trees in such a manner as to give them a nice and natural look.

Furthermore, don't stop there; tend to the bushes and plants. All dead branches should be removed, and you want to give the whole yard that neat look, one that shows care has been put into it. Fair enough, they do say that money doesn't grow on trees, but in this case, it just might!

Now there's a sight that catches the eye!

Landscaping tips for a quick real estate sale- Mulch!

Mulch... not the most appealing of words. Paradoxically, this little word could help you make the sale. A fresh layer of mulch can help you achieve that neat look. Best bit? It's not expensive. Mulch comes in different colors and shades, so consulting someone who has a good eye for nuance could be the way to go. Make sure you choose the one that best fits your yard. It is that simple.

Don't Forget the Basics

Of course, there are a few things that you should always do. Always be on the lookout for weeds and remove them quickly. A weed is like a stain on your new clothes. You can look as fabulous as you want on that first date, everything about your appearance can be impeccable, but that one imperfection is what's going to draw your date's eye the entire evening. Furthermore, mowing and raking the lawn is a must. It must not look unkempt, and there can be no brown, dead foliage left out in the open.

Landscaping tips for a quick real estate sale? Don't forget the basics, a freshly mown lawn is cheap and effective! 

Sales Done, What Now?

Once you spruce up the exterior of your home, there's every reason you can expect a quick and successful sale. Once that's done, there is still one more thing to take care of—the relocation. Moving can be a bit of a hassle at the best of times, but that doesn't have to be the case. A professional moving company can assist you with the planning, execution, and generally all the logistical elements. So be sure to get in touch with one that can help you with every aspect of the relocation process. The move can be as simple as trimming a tree!

Mulch Ado About Nothing

What would an article about landscaping be without a clumsy, contextually, slightly nonsensical Shakespearean play shoehorned into the text? Probably a significant improvement over what you are getting here, but what can you do? You made it this far; you might as well soldier on to the very end. Fortunately, homes aren't sold based on your knowledge of sixteenth-century British literature, but how well you can present them. Applying the above landscaping tips for a quick real estate sale will grant you just that, a quick sale. Moreover, you will either earn back what you invested into it or even a little over the top in most cases. What more could you ask for?