As the real estate market continues to rebound, more and more people are looking for ways to increase the value of their homes in order to sell for top dollar. If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market in the near future, you may be wondering if there are any simple and cost-effective ways to do so. One option you may want to consider is planting a garden. Here are three reasons why a garden can help increase your home’s value.
First, it’s important to understand that not all gardens are created equal. A well-manicured lawn with colorful flowers and trimmed hedges can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal and, as a result, its value. But a neglected garden with dead plants and overgrown weeds is likely to have the opposite effect. If you’re thinking of selling your home soon, it’s worth taking the time to spruce up your outdoor space before putting it on the market.
Gardens can add curb appeal
If you’re looking to sell your home, first impressions matter—and that starts with curb appeal. A neatly landscaped yard with a beautiful garden is more likely to catch a buyer’s eye than a yard that’s overgrown and unkempt. Even if you’re not planning on selling anytime soon, having a front yard that looks nice can increase your sense of pride in your home and even make your neighbors jealous.
When potential buyers are driving around looking for a new home, they often pay attention to the overall appearance of the neighborhood as well as individual homes. If your neighborhood has good curb appeal, it will be more attractive to buyers and could even help increase the value of all the homes in the area. So, by planting a garden, you could be doing your part to raise everyone’s property values!
Gardens can provide extra living space
If your family enjoys spending time outdoors, adding a garden can give you some much-needed extra living space. Whether you build a deck or patio for entertaining or simply create a cozy seating area surrounded by flowers, having additional outdoor space will let you enjoy the nicer weather without having to leave the comfort of your own home. You may even find yourself spending more time at home overall!
A Garden Can Be Used as an Extra Selling Point
In addition to increasing curb appeal, having a garden can also be used as an extra selling point when you’re marketing your home. If you have a green thumb and have created a beautiful garden, be sure to mention it in your listing and include some pictures. This will show prospective buyers that they’ll not only be getting a beautiful home, but also a tranquil oasis that they can enjoy for years to come.
A Garden Can Help You Save on Energy Costs
If you live in an area with hot summers and cold winters, chances are your energy bills can get pretty pricey. Planting trees and shrubs around your home can provide natural shade in the summer, which will help keep your home cooler and reduce your dependence on air conditioning. In the winter, these same plants can act as windbreaks and help keep heat from escaping, which will save you money on heating costs. Not only will this be appealing to environmentally-conscious buyers, but it will also help you save money leading up to the sale.
Gardens can boost your home’s resale value
While it’s impossible to predict exactly how much value a garden will add to your home, it’s safe to say that any added curb appeal and extra living space will pay off when it comes time to sell. In fact, one study found that homes with professionally landscaped yards sold for nearly 6% more than homes without them1—so if you’re thinking about planting a garden this spring, go ahead and dive right in!
The Housing Market in Your Area
In some cases, planting a garden can help you sell your home more quickly. In a buyer’s market, where there are more homes for sale than there are buyers, having a beautiful garden may give you an edge over other sellers. Buyers will be impressed by your property and may be willing to pay more for a home that they know has been well-cared for. Even in a hot housing market, where homes are selling quickly, a pretty garden can make your home more appealing and help it stand out from the competition.
The Size of Your Yard
The size of your yard is another important consideration. If you have a small lot, you may not have room for much more than a few flower beds or containers filled with plants. On the other hand, if you have a large lot, you may be able to create an impressive display that includes bushes, trees, flowers, and even a water feature. No matter what size your yard is, there are ways to add value with landscaping.
Of course, the size of your garden will also play a role in how much value it can add to your home. Smaller gardens are less expensive and time-consuming to maintain, so they may be more appealing to potential buyers. That being said, larger gardens have the potential to provide greater returns. If you have the space and the resources to invest in a bigger garden, it could pay off when you sell your home.
How Much Value Does a Garden Add to Your Home?
A study by the National Association of Realtors found that nearly half of all home buyers are willing to pay more for a property that has a well-maintained garden. The average price increase is between 2 and 5 percent, but in some cases, it can be as high as 20 percent. This means that if your home is worth $200,000, planting a garden could increase its value by up to $40,000.
Of course, the amount of value that your garden adds to your home will depend on several factors, such as the size and location of your property, the type of plants you choose, and how well you maintain your garden. But even if you only manage to add a few thousand dollars to your home’s value, it’s still worth doing because it will make your property more attractive to potential buyers.
The Amount of Time and Money You’re Willing to Invest
Of course, adding value to your home comes at a cost. If you’re not willing to put in the time to care for your garden, it’s not likely to increase the value of your home. The same is true if you don’t have the budget to hire someone to plant and maintain your garden for you. Before you invest in landscaping, be sure that you’re prepared to commit the time and money necessary to keep your garden looking its best.
Finally, it’s worth considering what type of garden would be most appealing to potential buyers in your area. If you live in an urban area, for example, a small patio garden with potted plants might be best. If you’re in a more rural setting, however, buyers may be looking for fruit trees or a veggie patch. Do some research on what buyers in your area are looking for before you start planting.
Adding a garden to your property is a great way to add value if you’re planning on putting your home on the market in the near future.
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