Video Transcription:
The outside of your home is the first thing your neighbors guests and potential buyers see. If you are considering investing in professional landscaping you may be wondering what projects would be the most beneficial to the value of your home. Well wonder no more! Iām Michele Irizarry CEO and Broker of Shore Prime Properties. Over the years we have helped many sellers in the Long Branch, New Jersey area prepare their homes for sale to get top dollar. If you arenāt already please be sure to like and follow Shore Prime Properties on Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. We post weekly content perfect for home buyers and home sellers. This video highlights projects that positively impact your homeās aesthetic and provide maximum return on investment.
How much should you spend: Before you start any of these projects consider your budget and goals. There is no one-size-fits-all price for landscaping efforts. The price will depend on your location and project needs so donāt be afraid to contact multiple contractors for quotes to compare. Also consider what you paid for your home. As a rule of thumb you should spend around 10% of your homeās total value on landscaping and hardscaping. So if your home is valued at $300,000 an appropriate amount to spend would be around $30,000.
Consider the end goal: For improving your landscaping do you want to attract buyers? Is this your forever home that you want to improve for your own benefit? The answers to these and other similar questions will impact the approach you take for these projects.
Low maintenance water and fire features: The most common misconception about including water features in your landscaping is that a pool is the most beneficial project. However that is not always the case. Pools can be out of budget for many people and potential buyers may not want the commitment of a pool. When considering a water feature the best project could be a small low maintenance pond. On the opposite end of the element spectrum, fire pits create a natural place in your yard to gather and relax. A stone fire pit is simple to install, long lasting and easy to remove or update if a potential buyer wants to customize it in the future. Fire pits are relatively inexpensive and require little upkeep other than the occasional cleaning.
Paving and stone walkways and patios: Walkways are almost always a valuable property addition because they make it easy to navigate through the backyard without having to step in wet grass, snow or mud. Patios can be another boost to your homeās value since they can create a more usable space to sit with family and host friends. If youāre planning on selling your home try not to customize your patio too much. You donāt have to spend much to create a nice patio just enough that you can lay down a high quality stone in a size that will fit a table and chairs.
Trees and shrubs: Trees and shrubs can make great accents for your yard and can instantly improve its aesthetic. They can also be helpful when selling to potential buyers who may not want to take on the planting greenery for themselves. Also if your home is near a busy road trees and shrubs can act as a barrier for added privacy. Be sure to think ahead and choose low maintenance plants. It can be wise to consult a professional who knows the best plants for your area and they can arrange them in a way that will accent your home rather than detract from it.
Fencing: A high quality fence can go a long way towards boosting your homeās potential value. The key is to choose the best material to resist corrosion and breakage. Consider a sturdy fencing material such as PVC, wrought iron or cedar depending on the most aesthetically pleasing fit for your property.
Lighting: Improved lighting can be useful for any yard because of the security and visual appeal it provides. In-ground recessed lighting is relatively inexpensive and subtle and it will make your house stand out at night. You can even invest in solar powered lights so that you donāt ever have to change bulbs or batteries.
Improving your landscaping can be a challenging process however these ideas can be a starting point to help you reach maximum ROI. If you are looking for ways to get the most money for your home right before you sell feel free to reach out to us here at Shore Prime Properties. We are always happy to help. Iām Michele Irizarry selling prime real estate at the Jersey Shore.
