Landscaping Sells Homes

Looking for a simple, inexpensive upgrade to give your property a selling edge?
 
Try some lovely landscaping.
 
It doesn't matter whether you are planning to sell this year or five years from now,
beautiful landscaping will give you very high returns on your investment now and
later. And, with landscaping, the value usually increases with time and a little TLC.  For
return on investment, landscaping rivals kitchen and bathroom remodeling, experts say,
but a simple landscape upgrade can be done for much less than either of those
interior upgrades.
 
According to Realtor Magazine, a minor kitchen remodel averages about $15,000  and
returns than 98 percent of the cost. Landscaping done well can return 100 percent to
200 percent of an investment and can be accomplished for an average of $5,000,
according to Money Magazine.

Sources differ on the value beautiful landscaping adds to a home.  However, estimates
range from a 10 percent to 20 percent increase in value. This Old House magazine
April 2003)puts the value at 20 percent. Smart Money magazine (March 2003) reports
that if you spend 5 percent of the value of your home on landscaping, you increase
the value by 15 percent.

Experts generally agree that landscaping should be modest.  Complicated garden
designs and vegetation that requires a lot of tending won't increase most home
values. f course, landscaping alone won't help sell a home in poor condition, but
it will lift a home's profile among similar properties.

Don't confuse landscaping with simple exterior curb appeal.  Nearly any property
can be made more appealing by keeping the lawns trimmed and mowed, removing lawn
ornaments, and judiciously placing flowers. Landscaping  involves more permanent
elements, such as ornamental and shade trees, flower beds, and water features.

If you decide to improve your home's landscaping, consider getting professional
advice from a landscape architect or designer. Even if you do the actual
installation yourself, getting professional advice can prevent some common
landscaping errors that actually decrease the value of your home. One typical error
is planting pine trees too close to the home. The trees may look nice when they are
small, but 20 years later an enormous pine tree can dwarf a home.  Planting the right
trees can make or break your landscape.

Blessings to your Real Estate Investment Riches,

Milton B. Yates
www.miltonyates.com