One question you may ask yourself and your realtor when getting ready to sell your house is how much value you can add to your home’s selling price by upgrading landscaping. “Curb appeal” is a vague and difficult to determine reaction to how people view a home and what impression is created. Although you will find numbers running the gamut when it comes to ROI on landscaping (everything from equations such as for every $20,000 invested, expect $200,000 increase to a gray possibility of making a 50% return), there is one thing that is certain and that is landscaping creates warmth and that does get attention when buyers are seeking new property to purchase.

The psychological reaction and first impression are key factors in whether people want to look further into a home and the surrounding property. Although many buyers can look past undesirable exterior and aesthetic traits of a home and think along the lines of vision and what they would do to the property, many are not in this mindset. They react heavily to what is presented and how they feel while looking at and touring the property. Landscaping is an initial invitation into a home and one that, when done correctly, can create a soothing, warm, and friendly welcome for buyers.

Curb appeal comes from using color, design, practicality, and efficiency in ways that compliment a home’s design era, surroundings, and the ways that the space will be used (recreation, relaxation, etc.) Landscaping can be a very costly endeavor, however, there are quick and inexpensive ways to boost curb appeal and quickly add beauty to your home:

—Potted plants:

Annuals are inexpensive, come in an array of colors, and are easy to maintain. Follow instructions on each plant to ensure proper shade or sun exposure, watering tips, and planting instructions to keep the plants in optimum condition.

—Xeriscaping:

In Colorado, for instance, this is a very popular alternative to landscaping that requires a tremendous amount of water. Mapping to the natural landscape of the area, the arid climate and dryer soil means that native plants survive well and require very little care or water other than general weeding and pruning. Entire yards of grass can be replaced with xeriscaping, including rock gardens accented with native plants to create a stylish, easy to care for addition to the home and one that many buyers may appreciate as they will save on water bills.

—Maintenance:

Keep up on weeding and preferably without the use of chemicals. By weeding regularly (at least weekly), you’ll keep your gardens and landscape looking tidy and attractive, thus contributing to curb appeal and attracting possible buyers. Mow and water grass regularly to keep it looking appealing. If you struggle to find time for yardwork, hire a lawn service and invest in this area; it’s a critical piece of an overall impression of your home.

—-Enhancements:

Place potted plants near the entry to your home provide bursts of color and look inviting. Mix colors, add spike plants in the back or center of the pots for height, and get creative with the plants you blend together. Add mulch and edging if possible. Defining the areas of gardens and trees add formality and style to the yard and offer containment of grasses and potential weeds, thus keeping the area maintained and looking fresh.

—If you decide to go bigger:

hire a landscape designer to help you decide what is the right look and feel for your particular property. Adding trees and shrubs greatly change the appearance of a property, including adding shade and definition to particular areas of the yard. Elements such as water features, rocks, and other additional accents can further increase the beauty and warmth of the property’s look and feel.

Although landscaping is not something that maps to an exact return, it definitely is an area that is key to curb appeal and an ingredient in the recipe of a positive first impression. Invest what you can in terms of time and money in this area and help your home to shine when on and off the market.

Author: Dawn Duncan is the President and Founder of Yellowbright, Inc., a Fort Collins, Colorado-based marketing, social media, and events firm. 970.980.6399 or yellowbrightinc.com