Landscaping for Value
In the heat of summer, moisture is minimal, the sun is high, and the real estate market is HOT! It doesn’t take much to have maximum curb appeal, save on your water bill, and cut energy costs. By using native plants and trees in your yard, they won’t need as much moisture to thrive. Plus, good landscaping can add up to 28% to overall home value! When beginning a re-design ask these questions:
- Is my landscaping attractive enough to get buyers in the front door?
- Will your landscaping choice provide cost savings? Will it save water?
- How efficient is the landscaping to overall home energy efficiency?
- Are the trees planted a safe distance from the house?
Trees are essential! They provide shade from the sun, provide wind breaks in the winter, and looking at trees for just 5 minutes can significantly reduce stress! Plus, trees are good for the environment. They use up CO2 – which is affecting climate change – and they help with water runoff after a storm. Go to http://www.treebenefits.com/calculator/ and check out the National Tree Benefit Calculator. This website tells you how beneficial a certain tree is to your home in a particular region of the country. Your neighbor’s trees may help the sale of your property also, by adding up to $9000 to the sales price and cutting 2 days off of its market time!
Native Plants! When contemplating what plants to use in your yard, do your research. Plants that are native to your area will require less TLC. These plants are used to the frost and the heat, and will require less watering. Studies show that over a 20 year period maintaining an acre of native plants costs $3000 compared to $20,000 of maintaining a lawn of non-native turf grass! By adding pops of color, geraniums or pansies, you home will be more inviting.
Outdoor Lighting! Outdoor lighting may not bring buyers to the door during the day, but it will provide a safe and welcoming place in the evening. Outdoor lighting can prevent home intruders, prevent slips and falls, and make your home cozier. When surveyed, 41% of home buyers viewed outdoor lighting as essential while 49% view it as desirable. I think it is safe to say, you can’t go wrong with a little light in your night.
Other non-essential features are cedar fences, terraces and retaining walls, and walkways. It is hard to measure the value of these particular features, but try to “keep up with Joneses.” For example, if all the houses in your neighborhood have nice fences, you should too. In addition, fences add privacy, keep pets in and intruders out.
Upgrades to consider that have a tried and true return on investment are steel exterior door replacements, mid-range garage door replacements, or adding a wooden deck. ALWAYS remember to look at what is typical for your neighborhood. Take time in planning your landscaping and it will add value, and save you money in water and energy costs. (information from HouseLogic.com)
Information obtained from houselogic.com
