Patio with fireplace, ovoerhead beams that function as implied roof, and attractive furnishings

As the new year approaches, many of us think about changes we’d like to make in our lives, our homes, and our landscapes. If you are contemplating selling your house within the next year or two, you should know to prospective homebuyers, the features that appeal to them the most may not be a large, remodeled kitchen or bathroom but a well designed  back yard. It could have a patio, fire pit, fireplace, upscale pavers, stone sitting wall, and/or kitchen components. Naturally, there will also be well designed landscape beds that will make the buyers to spend time outside.

Lawn with brick edge over which lawnmower wheels can run.

You will want your home to look well maintained. This means keeping your shrubs pruned (but not into boxes and balls) and edging as well as cutting your lawn so that it looks neat. If there is any question about where property lines are, mark them in some way or hire a surveyor to do it.

Blue furniture would be more comfortable and attractive with colorful cushions.

Decorate your existing patio as though it is an extension of the indoors. Carefully select attractive tables and chairs that will beckon the buyers to sit in them. Coordinate the color of the furnishings as well as the placements, napkins, and plates to echo the colors that you use inside.

Coordinated containers echo the color of the stone paving.

If you are selling during the growing season, add colorful flowering plants in either the beds or in containers on either side of the front or back door to make the house look welcoming.

If you have a swimming pool but are selling during the winter, have a photo of the pool taken during the summer.

Did you know that a study by RealEstate.com suggests that landscaping and hardscaping can deliver a return on investment as high as 150%,? That is an ROI that puts it ahead of popular home improvement projects like kitchen or bathroom updates. 

According to one real estate agent, the old saying of “location, location, location” has been changed to “location, location, landscaping.”

Attractive front entrance

Good landscaping is not inexpensive but a creatively landscaped yard could invite a better and quicker offer on your home.