Does Landscaping Add Value to Your Home

Landscaping is usually related to a home’s trees, lawns, bushes and flowers. But other things may also be considered part of landscaping, including fire pits, decks, patios, waterfalls, swimming pools and outdoor lighting … all of which could increase the value of the house. Your Austin property appraiser will make note of any exterior improvements which would impact value.

By and large landscaping and trees aren’t taken into account when performing a real estate appraisal for residential property. It is indisputable that big lovely trees and a nicely landscaped lawn enhance the curb appeal and general desirability of a property, but there’s no means for a real estate appraiser to put a dollar amount on these things.

Beautifying your yard with blossoms and ornamental trees bring more attention and might raise your curb appeal, but it will not add value to your property. While some buyers might be attracted to the add-ons that are brilliant, they may not be effective at preserving it, and your effort is sometimes a hindrance to the typical buyer trying to find a low-care strategy. Many people may see your lawn as an expensive and unwanted weight to keep, and pass you over entirely.

Should you love to garden, and landscaping is a creative release then do it. But if you are seeking to feature your landscaping as a way to increase your home’s value, then keep it easy in regards to your own lawn. Be sure that the grass is cared for and everything seems healthy, but don’t go overboard or get too personal with your landscaping decisions.

If you do decide to exercise you “green thumb”, you should also take into consideration your market area and neighbor’s yards. If the remainder of the area resembles a prairie and you are growing a forest, you will have difficulty regaining the trees’ value at deal. Conversely, yours is a jumble of weeds or worse and if your neighbors manicure their yards, their excellent landscaping will make yours seem even more shabby and damage the value of your house.

Here’s a final list of things you should consider about your home’s landscaping:

• Is the landscaping attractive enough to make a would-be buyer walk through the front door? Keep the layout current and in line with similar properties in the region.
• Could the landscaping provide a decrease in housing upkeep? Landscaping which requires little or no water to keep could be desirable depending on the geographic area.
• Does the landscaping provide energy efficiency to the house? For instance, it is wise to put trees in a position where sunlight is blocked by them in places with year round climates that are hot.
• Are the trees nicely kept and put at a safe distance from the house and are they healthy? Feeble, old or damaged trees should be removed and put too close to a house or building could present risks to the house’s construction. Consumers should also be certain that beds or mulching do not get too close to wood around bases to prevent termites.