While making investments in your home, don’t think outside the box, just think outside. We garden for pleasure and landscape to make the most of the natural beauty that our property can offer, but have you ever considered landscaping as an investment?
In today’s competitive real estate market, getting that edge when it’s time to sell may be more elementary than you think. We all want a quick sell at top dollar and a professionally landscaped property can get you there.
Where Should I Invest my Landscaping Dollars?
While landscaping includes everything from grass cutting to tree planting and everything in-between, creating an attractive landscape for your property may just bring you that sale and great landscaping can indeed increase the return on the sale of your home.
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) lists trees as the number one landscape element that will immediately increase your property’s value. The more mature the tree, the more value it brings. HTA, states that “trees can enhance property values anywhere from 5 to 20 percent.” Alternatively, pavers, stone walls, and patios may be part of your landscape investment but these projects will bring you the least amount of return on your dollar. Some landscaping projects will definitely bring you more return than others. A fish pond may add visual appeal to your outdoor space but a project that actually increases the usable space of your backyard is sure to bring you a greater rate of return on your investment.
There are many studies supporting the idea that landscaping makes a home more appealing to a buyer. In a recent Gallup research project, home buyers revealed that they think landscaping adds 14.87 percent to a home’s selling price.
Professional Landscaping Makes a Great First Impression
Keep in mind that landscaping is your home's first impression. It is the first thing potential buyers will see as they head toward the front door. Because of this, great landscaping in the front yard may also hold more influence when it comes to salability of your home. When considering what your landscaping project will look like, keep in mind that you don’t want to be too unique. Keep with the overall tone of the neighbourhood.
According to Money Magazine, Canadians spent more than 15 billion dollars on landscaping last year. Statistics Canada, in 2006, reported that more than 3 quarters of all Canadians had a lawn or garden, and spending on landscape design and installation has more than tripled in the past five years.
Why Hire a Professional?
Not all landscaping projects will sell your house. In fact, a poorly designed and executed landscape tactic could cost you that buyer. While maintaining your landscaped home may be something completely manageable for you, calling in a professional landscaper to design and implement your new stamped concrete driveway, or Armour stone garden is often your best bet. Sometimes vision far exceeds abilities when it comes to enhancing your outside space. Leaving it to the professionals will ensure that the job is done right and cement your rate of return when it comes time to sell.
