Guest post by Elizabeth Lucchesi

Enhance Outdoor Features for a Considerable Increase in Home Value

First impressions are key when persuading potential buyers out of their car and into a home for a closer look. Thoughtfully designed landscaping and outdoor enhancements can tip the odds in the seller’s favor.

NAR, the National Association of REALTORS®, and NALP, the National Association of Landscape Professionals, recently conducted a joint survey of roughly 6,500 consumers, association members and member companies. The results were outlined in NAR’s Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features. Data from this report reveals REALTORS® recognize the significance of curb appeal. These professionals agree that a project as simple and affordable as planting grass seed can return 400% of its cost and add value to a home.

Where should you begin if you’re planning to sell this spring? Start small. “Smaller projects will bring potential sellers the most value back upon resale – and have the benefit of costing less up front,” says Tom Salomone, NAR President. For a few hundred dollars you can get your lawn in shape for sale. Hire a landscaper to perform a complete yard clean up. This should include removing weeds, mulching and edging the lawn, mowing and planting a few flowering annuals to add color. Maintain the life of this service by mowing and watering your lawn regularly so the grass will be as green and full as possible.

Have more funds to invest? Take a look at the top ten outdoor projects, ranked by REALTORS®, as likely to add resale value to a home:

Read more about adding value to your home through outdoor projects here.

Elizabeth Lucchesi is a professional REALTOR and leader of the LizLuke Team, a group of professionals dedicated to helping Northern Virginia and DC home buyers and sellers achieve their goals. Elizabeth has been a licensed agent for more than 10 years.

The members of the LizLuke Team take pride in their knowledge of the market, years of experience and dedication to the exceeding the expectations of their clients. They work predominately by referral, and know that a personal recommendation is worth more than any advertisement or brochure.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, please give her a call. She would be honored to help you.