February 16, 2021

Increase Your Property Value

Purchasing a home is both an emotional and financial decision. One of the topics sure to come up with a realtor is how to increase property value. That’s why it is no surprise that professional realtors often recommend landscaping improvements to pump up the property value of a seller’s home while shortening the time it takes to sell. HomeLight reports that 75% of premier real estate agents advise their sellers about how landscaping is a proven strategy for increasing a home’s value from one to ten percent, conservatively. A homeowner can expect a home value increase of 5.5 percent to 12.7 percent depending on the design and quality of the landscape.

It’s important to remember that not all landscaping services are created equal. While some landscapers offer little more than unsophisticated services like mowing the grass and trimming the hedges, there are many experienced landscapers with excellent landscape design credentials capable of bolstering your home’s value. It’s always a good idea to inquire about prior jobs to see what the company can do for you.

1. Increases Curb Appeal

Any experienced realtor will advise their clients to focus on improving the curb appeal of their home before putting it on the market. The Wall Street Journal reported study findings from the sales data of 88,980 properties sold, concluding that curb appeal can bolster a home’s value by as much as 7%. It’s common for buyers to drive by a home they are interested in seeing before requesting to go inside.

First impressions are extremely important. Buyers are turned off by overgrown shrubs, high grass, weeds, and boring, lackluster grounds lacking aesthetic appeal. Your home must evoke an emotional response from buyers. While the bankers and appraisers will assess the value of a home based on square footage figures and location for lending purposes, the actual market value of a home is whatever a buyer will pay for that home on any given day.

All too often, prospective buyers will pass on a home based on a lack of curb appeal or, worse, a shabby appearance that indicates the home and yard has been neglected. We all make an immediate decision about a home as soon as we pull up in front of it.

Is the yard cluttered with toys and worn yard furniture that detracts from a positive first impression? Is half of the mulch missing? It is important to remember the adage about only getting one chance to make a good first impression.

an image of landscaping increasing curb appeal2. Creates More Usable Living Space Outside

A popular trend that has caught on like wildfire is extending your living space outdoors. Designing new living and entertainment areas outside without spending a fortune on adding actual square footage to your floorplan makes sense. The good news is that many viable options start at very affordable rates.

A few of the more inexpensive possibilities to consider are adding a wildflower garden, screened porch, fireplace, fire pit, kitchen, water feature, and deck. Granted, it is always a good idea to consider the norms of the neighborhood and price point of the home before moving forward with this type of project. The goal is to spend enough to maintain or surpass the standards of the neighborhood without overspending. Keeping the rate of return on investment (ROI) at the center of decision-making is crucial.

Outdoor spaces with comfortable furniture and beautiful paths and trails landscaped to perfection are always a winner as both affordable and breathtaking possibilities. Imagine the perfect outdoor retreat, then go from there. Having plenty of trees for shade can reduce energy bills up to 25%.

3. Provides a Relatively High Return on Investment (ROI)

One of the main reasons real estate agents focus on landscaping as a major way to get the highest price for a home without breaking the bank is the ROI of many landscaping projects. HomeLight reports that spending as little as $268 in landscaping costs adds a remarkable $1200 in value. If you do the math, that’s an incredible 352% ROI. Adding new mulch is another high ROI project worth considering, adding as much as 126% ROI.

Remember, ROI must dictate the landscaping projects you select. Adding lighting and sprinkler systems is a good investment that will pay off. Unless you live in a geographic area and neighborhood where pools are expected, then it makes little sense to spring for the cost of putting a pool in. Even if you’re in sunny Florida or Southern California, the ROI does not typically justify this type of improvement outlay.

Scapes Inc Landscaping shows how to increase your property value4. Speeds Up the Sales Process

Selling a home is inconvenient but necessary. The faster you sell your home, the better. Plant Care Today reports The Florida Growers and Landscape Associations’ findings that support landscaping improvements as a viable way to shorten the time your home stays on the market unsold. Sellers can expect to push up their sale date by an impressive six weeks.

The findings also indicate that landscaping your patio can increase property value by a healthy 12.4%. Other notable statistics are a 4.4% boost to home value by landscaping the curb and a 3.6% increase to home value for landscaped hedges.

5. Creates Privacy

Strategic landscaping can transform any property into a private oasis with smart plant placement. While many homeowners see the value in living in town or the suburbs for convenience, buyers also appreciate some privacy. The days of blocking natural sunlight with heavy drapes to maintain your Privacy are over. There is no reason to forego the joys of natural light pouring into your home if your windows are strategically hidden behind well-placed barrier bushes.

Landscaping offers a practical way to create private gardens and comfortable entertainment spaces where you can escape for a while or host a party. An experienced landscape company can recommend the perfect solutions to boost your home’s value for an affordable price.

Scapes Landscaping OKC has a rich history of bringing high quality landscaping design to the OKC area. We’re known for serving Oklahoma City landscaping clients with the best rated residential landscaping and commercial landscaping services! Be sure to check out our before and after landscaping gallery. Contact us today at 405-376-0505 and request a quote.