If you decide to sell your home, you probably anticipate that several items will be added to your to-do list. Listing your property means you will juggle everything from staging your house to arranging for a home inspection. To ensure you are able to get the best offer on your home, there are a number of projects you may consider that help add appeal and value to your house.
The exterior of your home and surrounding property are important aspects of your home's appearance. Evaluate the condition of these elements and make improvements where necessary.
Landscaping your front lawn
When a potential buyer comes to view your home, the front yard gives a first impression. Make sure it is a positive one and invest time, hard work and money in a beautiful front yard. With the approach of spring, now is a great time to start thinking about what trees, shrubs and flowers you might want to plant as temperatures become warmer.
If you want to tackle this project yourself, ensure you can commit the time and have a clear idea of your vision.
While you might save money up front by doing the landscaping yourself, making a mistake may cost you more cash later. Make sure that you are comfortable and confident in your ability to complete the task.
Head to a garden center to pick out the plants you would like to include. Do some research beforehand or ask a sales representative at the garden center which plants are easily maintained and do well in your region and where you plan to plant. Also, if you are purchasing blooming plants, know when they bloom and try to find breeds that bloom at different times throughout the seasons. This Old House noted that flowers, like perennial hibiscus and profusion zinnias can add a splash of color to your landscaping project.
When you bring your plants home, group them in front of your house and arrange the shrubs and flowers how you envision them. Play with different arrangements and see what compliments your home.
The Do It Yourself Network noted that placing mulch around anything that you have planted helps anchor your plants and soil. In addition, it is a decorative touch that leaves your landscaping looking clean, crisp and complete. Consider darker mulch to help your vegetation stand out more.
The soil that you use must be quality. If you know that the dirt around your home is sandy or insufficient, invest in rich soil that is full of nutrients. You may also want to consider adding fertilizer to help newly planted vegetation grow.
Making a clear boundary between your yard and landscaping is crucial. You can create edging using a stones, steel or even plastic. Edging can be particularly time consuming. Consider asking for help from friends or family when tackling this project.
Hiring a professional
If you decide to enlist the help of professional landscape artists you can work together to decide the best way to add curb appeal to your home. In addition, an individual with expertise can quickly complete the task and leave you with time to tackle other projects to prepare your home for listing.
HGTV recommended asking neighbors, friends and family for suggestions when it comes to hiring a professional. Ask about experiences with different companies and even check out the work potential hires have done in the past. This information can help you make a decision.
"Get someone who takes the time to get to know your space and asks you questions about how you use your space, what kinds of things you like, and what kind of feeling you'd like your space to evoke," said Trevor Smith, the Ecological Landscaping Association's vice president, according to HGTV.
Having a professional working for you and your needs can help ensure the project goes well and gives prospective buyers the best first impression possible.
Giving your home a facelift
Spring is the perfect time to bask in the sun and enjoy the beautiful weather. Luckily, embarking on exterior home improvement projects allows you to spend some time outside in the warm sun. This Old House recommended washing any patios or porches off and repairing any damage. After a long, cold and stormy winter, these spaces may appear more weathered. Consider painting them a fresh color to liven things up. Also consider adding a few potted plants and a small seating area or chair depending on the space that is available. Showing potential buyers how different spaces can be utilized will help them envision living in your home.
You may also want to arrange to have a fresh coat of paint applied to your home and front door or prepare to do the project yourself. A new shade can help your house pop and catch the interest of individuals thinking about purchasing a new home.
Better Homes and Gardens recommended replacing old light fixtures, mail boxes or door handles. These are inexpensive changes you can make that can primp the front of your home and add appeal.
Take advantage of the warm weather and spruce up the exterior of your home before listing your property.
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