INCREASE YOUR PROPERTY VALUE BY IMPROVING YOUR LANDSCAPE
Real estate agents stress the importance of curb appeal when helping homeowners sell their houses because a nicely landscaped and well-maintained property makes a much better first impression for prospective buyers. It sets a positive tone before anyone sets foot in the house, and leaves a positive lasting impression.
Research has shown professional landscaping yields an average of 109% return on the investment when a house is sold, significantly higher than other major home improvements such as kitchen renovations and remodelled bathrooms. Although desirable features, as investments they may not yield a positive return when reflected in the selling price.
Staging the inside of a house for sale, by cleaning, de-cluttering, and providing design accents can improve the selling price and shorten the time on the market. Don’t forget to place potted plants and vases of fresh-cut flowers for the open house.
Staging the yard and garden is just as important to improve the selling price and shorten the time on the market. Clean by removing weeds in the lawn, garden and in walkways, dead branches in trees and shrubs, and weak plants. Visually de-clutter by ensuring the lawn is even and green without any bare patches, and flower and garden beds are edged and evenly mulched. Plant colourful annuals and accent entranceways, walkways and patios with planted decorative containers and pots.
Utilizing landscaping has also become a valuable technique for managers to entice tenants and increase the value of office buildings located in suburban areas, serving as both a marketing and design strategy. Landscaping has the potential to improve office buildings in a multitude of ways, including establishing a sophisticated business image, garnering approval from local residents, and connecting multiple buildings within a single complex.
Plants Love You and show it by improving your property value.
Resources:
Charles R. Hall, Madeline W. Dickson. 2011. Economic, Environmental, and Health/Well-Being Benefits Associated with Green Industry Products and Services: A Review.
Behe, B., J. Hardy, S. Barton, J. Brooker, T. Fernandez, C. Hall, J. Hicks, R. Hinson, P. Knight, R. McNiel, T. Page, B. Rowe, C. Safley, and R. Schutzki. 2005. Landscape plant material, size, and design sophistication increase perceived home value. J. Envrion. Hort. 23:127-133.
Bonan, G.B. 2008. Forests and climate change: Forcings, feedbacks, and the climate benefits of forests. Science 320:1444-1449.
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Grimm, N.B., D. Foster, P. Groffman, J.M. Grove, C.S. Hopkinson, K.J. Nadelhoffer, D.E. Pataki, and D.P.C. Peters. 2008. The changing landscape: Ecosystem responses to urbanization and pollution across climatic and societal gradients. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 6:264-272.
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Maco, S.E. and E.G. McPherson. 2003. A practical approach to assessing structure, function and value of street tree population in small communities. J. Aboriculture 29:84-97.
McPherson, E.G. and J. Muchnick. 2005. Effects of street tree shade on asphalt concrete pavement performance. J. Arboriculture 31:303-310.
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Wolf, K.L. 2005. Business district streetscapes, trees, and consumer response. J. Forestry 103:396-400.
Charles R. Hall, Madeline W. Dickson. 2011. Economic, Environmental, and Health/Well-Being Benefits Associated with Green Industry Products and Services: A Review.
Economic Benefits of Landscape, Associated Landscape Contractors of America
www. Commerce.infosrc.com/docdelivery/alca/Uploads/Econben.doc
Yee, Joseph. (1990). Landscaping as a marketing tool. Journal of property management, 55(4), 45. ISSN: 0022-3905. Retrieved from ABI/INFORM Global database.
