There is no denying that first impressions make an impact. Whether you’re an employee interviewing a candidate, or meeting a blind date at a restaurant, appearance can sometimes make or break the situation. The same goes for house-hunting. Buyers are more apt to take a closer look at a home with curb appeal than an overgrown or plain property. But how much of a difference does it make?
Unfortunately there is no magic number for the return on investment great landscaping can bring, it all depends on the scope and level of design. Some experts estimate that great curb appeal can add up to 20% to your home’s value.
So now the other question… how much should be spent? According to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), homeowners should plan on investing five to ten percent of your home’s value on landscaping. Keep in mind however that some improvements will payoff better than others. Our experts at Absolute Landscape Services have a few ideas that will do the most for your bottom line.
Love Your Lawn
A study by the National Association of Realtors shows that 75% of realtors suggest sellers start a standard lawn care program before attempting to sell their home. The good news is that same study shows that homeowners can recoup 303% of their cost for lawn care. This makes sense – one of the first things a home buyer is going to notice is a lush, green front lawn. Don’t have a green thumb? We’re happy to send one of our professionals out to give a free estimate for a program that will get your lawn healthy and sale-ready in no time.
Outdoor Living Space
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p>One of the hottest trends in landscape design is an “outdoor room”. Homeowners can increase the square footage of their living space by extending into the outdoors. Large patios with comfy seating areas and practical design additions like a fire pit, built-in grill, or fireplace can entice buyers into paying a premium price.
Exterior Lighting
Outdoor lighting will not only increase the safety and security of your home, it can also create a dramatic impression. Use uplights, downlights and spotlights to highlight unique features of your home’s architecture or landscape. Just like on the inside, lighting on the outside can change the ambiance and feel of your outdoor living space.
When investing this much money into your home, it’s always better to work with a professional. Absolute Landscape Services can help you design and implement a plan that will not only work for you and your family, but increase the overall value of your home. Click here to request more information from our experts.