5 Lawn Care Tips To Boost Your Home’s Value
Selling your home (or preparing to sell your home) can be a struggle. Between all the cleaning, inspections, renovations and more, the to-do list can get a little overwhelming to say the least. However, there is one major thing homeowners often forget to check off their to-do list: curb appeal. Yard upkeep and lawn care is one of the first things a buyer will notice about your home, so it’s crucial to keep your yard in tip-top shape. However, amping up your lawn care game might not be something you have put much thought into. And that’s okay! At Killingsworth, we know the value of strong curb appeal. Not only will it attract buyers to your home, but it can increase the value of your home as well. And when it comes to increasing your home’s value, the investment in curb appeal is completely worth it! So, let’s work together to get your home and lawn ready to hit the market.
The Appeal Of Curb Appeal
To demonstrate just how important lawn maintenance is for your resale value, here are some statistics you should know:
- Having a single tree in your yard can increase your home’s value by 2 percent. However, the shade from multiple trees can increase the value by 9 percent. This means that on a $300,000 home, having multiple trees in your yard could add $27,000 worth of value!
- Landscaping and your home’s exterior add almost equal value to your home.
- If your walls and hedges are landscaped, you could see a 4 percent increase in your home’s value. Again, on a $300,000 home, this could mean an increase in value by $12,000!
When potential buyers see a well-maintained yard, they will feel more confident about the upkeep of the home. The goal of strong curb appeal isn’t just to get buyers inside, though. Lawn care can really add tremendous value to your home. While lawn care doesn’t have to be expensive, it is definitely worth the investment. Which is why we recommend setting aside a portion of your budget to make sure your lawn looks cared for and healthy. Your home, and future buyer, will thank you!
5 Curb Appeal Tips & Tricks
Convinced yet? Great, let’s get started! To spruce up your curb appeal, consider these five tips below:
1. Maintain your lawn
Start off by pulling any weeds that may be detracting from your home’s appeal. Weeds can be unsightly, and they can harm the health of your lawn. If it’s early enough in the year, apply a pre-emergent herbicide to kill weeds before they are able to grow. If weeds have started to sprout in your lawn, use a post-emergent herbicide to eliminate weeds. A healthy, weedless yard will look great to potential buyers (and help to increase your home’s value). Next, bust out the lawn mower. After all, what’s the point of a weed-free lawn if your grass is six inches tall! Make sure you’re mowing your lawn once a week to keep it maintained and healthy. You may even want to get fancy with some lawn patterns to make your lawn really stand out! Mowing Pro Tip: Wait until the weather is warm and your grass is approximately two inches tall before mowing for the first time.
2. Apply a fresh layer of mulch
If you have a garden, make sure to freshen it up with a new layer of mulch. Not only will it look nice, but it will also help fight against weeds. Weeds need sunlight to survive, so mulch will help smother weeds by blocking the light. Just don’t forget to rake away any old mulch first! You don’t want it to pile up too much and cover your plants.
3. Add a pop of color
Here are a few ways to add color to your home with new plants and flowers: Plant a garden around the front of your home. Pick flowers that will thrive in that area of the home, and choose colors that won’t clash. Also, don’t overdo it! You want it to look simple, colorful and inviting—not like a circus. Add some potted plants around the front door or in a window box. This will make the home look more inviting, and add some much needed color to its exterior. Apply mulch and plant flowers around your mailbox. Get creative with it! This little touch will be more welcoming to potential buyers, and they’ll love the extra color it gives.
4. Refresh your home’s exterior
Next, take the time to refresh your home’s exterior. Start by cleaning away any dust, stains or grime that may have built up over the years. You’ll be amazed at what soap, a bristled brush and a little elbow grease can do! Once your home is squeaky clean, consider applying a fresh coat of paint. Maybe it’s time to repaint the whole home, which could be an investment worth making if your home looks a little outdated. On a smaller scale, give your shutters a fresh coat of paint to draw in buyers. Or, repaint your front door to add some extra color! The front door is the focus point of your home, so adding a new coat of paint can really make your home pop.
5. Consider larger investments
If you’re serious about curb appeal, consider some of these larger investments to really boost your home’s value: Add a fence. Homebuyers will love the perk of a fenced in yard, especially if they have pets or children. If your yard isn’t already fenced in, or it needs to be repaired, now is one of the best times to do it. However, a fence can get costly so make sure this is the right investment for you. Repair or replace the roof. While repairs may not be as expensive, replacing your roof is a hefty investment. However, it’s usually worth it! Not only will it boost your curb appeal, but you’re bound to have a pretty high return on investment, too. On average, a homeseller will get almost 69 percent of their investment back after a roof replacement. Update your mailbox. For less than $300, you can replace your mailbox and boost your curb appeal! However, you may decide to really invest and go with a brick or masonry mailbox. While this is a nice touch, it will definitely come at a higher price tag, so weigh your options wisely. And don’t forget to plant flowers around your new mailbox!
How Killingsworth Lawn Care Services Can Increase Your Home’s Value
When you’re trying to amp up your curb appeal, call the lawn care experts at Killingsworth! We understand the value curb appeal can bring to your home, and we want to help you get ready to sell. Our lawn care team will have fresh ideas and techniques to give your home the updated look it needs. We will care for your lawn like it’s our own, and make sure you get the greatest return on investment possible! Don’t wait, schedule your service with us today!
