Reviewed by: Brandon Brown

As a homeowner on the brink of selling your property, you’re no stranger to the fact that every single element can make a significant difference in the eyes of potential buyers. While you’ve undoubtedly contemplated interior enhancements, have you fully delved into the potential goldmine that landscaping could be for your home’s value?

As you prepare to put your home on the market, landscaping might not be at the forefront of your mind. However, landscaping can wield a significant influence on your property’s perceived value, which will play a role in determining your home’s appraised value vs market value. A well-maintained lawn, meticulously tended flower beds, and inviting outdoor spaces can leave a lasting impression on potential buyers, creating an emotional connection that translates into a more attractive selling price.

This in-depth guide is crafted with you in mind, the home seller who recognizes that there’s more to selling a house than just its four walls. Here, we’ll unravel the hidden potential of landscaping—how it can be the ace up your sleeve, a secret ally in your quest for a higher selling price.

What Type of Landscaping Adds the Most Value to a Home?

When it comes to landscaping, not all upgrades are created equal in terms of boosting your home’s value. If you’re a home seller looking to make the most impactful landscaping improvements, here are some key areas to focus on:

Curb Appeal Enhancements

Investing in your home’s curb appeal can make a significant difference in attracting potential buyers. If you are wondering how to add curb appeal, consider sprucing up your front yard with well-maintained lawns, neatly trimmed bushes, and vibrant flowers. A well-designed entrance with a welcoming pathway and a polished front door can create a positive first impression.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Incorporating functional outdoor living spaces is a trend that’s gaining traction. Decks, patios, and well-designed seating areas not only extend your living space but also create an appealing environment for relaxation and entertainment. Adding features like fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and pergolas can further enhance the attractiveness of your property.

Sustainable Landscaping

Environmentally-friendly landscaping practices not only resonate with eco-conscious buyers but can also add value to your home. Consider xeriscaping with native plants that require less water, using permeable materials for pathways, and installing rainwater harvesting systems. These sustainable features can be appealing to potential buyers concerned about reducing their carbon footprint.

Low-Maintenance Landscaping

Many homebuyers are attracted to properties with visually appealing landscaping that requires minimal upkeep. Opt for easy-to-maintain plants and landscaping elements. Mulching garden beds, choosing plants that thrive in your climate, and using automation systems for irrigation can contribute to a low-maintenance landscape that appeals to potential buyers.

Mature Trees and Greenery

Mature trees and well-established greenery can significantly contribute to the perceived value of a property. Trees not only provide shade and enhance aesthetics but can also improve energy efficiency by reducing cooling costs in the summer. Make sure to maintain healthy trees and invest in pruning and proper care to keep them in their best condition.

When considering landscaping improvements that add the most value to your home, focus on features that align with your property’s style, location, and target buyer demographic. While these suggestions can make a positive impact, remember that the value of landscaping goes beyond aesthetics – it’s about creating an inviting atmosphere that resonates with potential buyers.

Do Appraisers Consider Landscaping When Valuing a Property?

Absolutely, landscaping plays a significant role in property appraisal. Appraisers take into account both the interior and exterior aspects of a home when determining the appraisal value of a home. While the condition of the house itself holds substantial weight, the overall aesthetics and functionality of the outdoor space, including landscaping, also contribute to the property’s appraised value.

Appraisers recognize that well-maintained and thoughtfully designed landscaping can enhance a property’s curb appeal, which in turn influences the perceived value by potential buyers. A visually appealing and well-landscaped yard can create a positive first impression and set a higher expectation for the rest of the property.

Factors such as the quality of the landscaping, the choice of plants, the condition of lawns and outdoor features, and the overall harmony of the outdoor design are all considered by appraisers. Additionally, landscaping that contributes to energy efficiency, such as strategically placed trees that provide shade, can positively impact a property’s appraised value by reducing utility costs.

It’s important to note that appraisers have a trained eye to assess the value of landscaping in the context of the local real estate market. While they consider the aesthetics and functional aspects of landscaping, they also evaluate how these features align with buyer preferences and market trends in your area.

As a home seller, investing in landscaping improvements can potentially yield a favorable appraisal and consequently, a higher home value. By focusing on landscaping that not only enhances your property’s appearance but also aligns with market demands, you can increase the likelihood of a positive appraisal that reflects the true value of your home.

How to Estimate the ROI of Landscaping Projects

Estimating the return on investment (ROI) of landscaping projects involves a combination of research, analysis, and understanding the local real estate market. While the exact ROI can vary based on factors such as the scope of the project, the quality of the landscaping, and the market conditions, there are several steps you can take to make an informed estimation:

1. Research Comparable Properties: Look for properties in your neighborhood with similar landscaping features and improvements. Compare their sale prices before and after landscaping upgrades to gauge the potential increase in value.

2. Consult Real Estate Professionals: Seek advice from local real estate professionals, such as FlipSplit, who are familiar with your area’s market dynamics. They can provide insights into which types of landscaping projects tend to yield higher ROI and how those improvements align with buyer preferences.

3. Consider Appraisers’ Insights: Appraisers are well-versed in assessing the impact of landscaping on property value. Consulting with an appraiser can provide you with a more accurate understanding of how specific landscaping changes may influence your home’s value.

4. Calculate Potential Cost Savings: Certain landscaping features, such as energy-efficient trees and plants that reduce cooling and heating costs, can lead to ongoing savings. Consider these long-term cost savings as part of your ROI calculation.

5. Factor in Maintenance Costs: While landscaping can add value, it’s important to account for ongoing maintenance expenses. Low-maintenance landscaping designs may have a better ROI over time, as they require less upkeep.

6. Use Online Valuation Tools: Various online tools and calculators can help you estimate the potential ROI of landscaping projects based on your property’s current value and the anticipated increase in value due to improvements.

7. Get Multiple Quotes: If you’re planning a significant landscaping project, obtain quotes from multiple landscaping professionals. This will help you determine the project’s potential cost and better assess its ROI.

Remember that the key to estimating ROI accurately lies in considering both the financial aspects and the market dynamics of your specific location. While landscaping can enhance your home’s value, making wise investment decisions based on thorough research and professional insights is essential to achieving a favorable ROI.

Are There Specific Plants or Elements That Should Be Avoided for Value Appreciation?

While landscaping can undoubtedly enhance your home’s value, it’s essential to approach the process strategically and avoid certain pitfalls that could potentially hinder value appreciation. When working with an iBuyer like FlipSplit, you can better steer clear of landscaping choices that might not provide the desired return on investment.

1. Overly Personalized Landscaping: While unique landscaping can be appealing, overly personalized designs that cater to individual tastes might not resonate with potential buyers. Opt for timeless and universally appealing landscaping elements that have a broader market appeal.

2. High-Maintenance Features: Landscaping that requires extensive upkeep and maintenance can be a turn-off for buyers who seek low-maintenance outdoor spaces. Choose landscaping elements that strike the right balance between aesthetics and practicality.

3. Excessive Hardscaping: While hardscaping elements like patios and decks can add value, too much hardscaping can reduce green space and the overall aesthetic appeal. Find the right balance between hardscape and softscape for optimal value enhancement.

4. Invasive Plant Species: Introducing invasive plant species to your landscaping can have negative environmental impacts and might not resonate well with potential buyers. Opt for native plants that enhance value while preserving the ecosystem.

5. Poorly Executed DIY Projects: While DIY projects can be cost-effective, poorly executed landscaping can have the opposite effect on home value. Ensure that landscaping projects are executed to the highest standards, maximizing value appreciation.

The Value of Investing in Landscaping for a Successful Home Sale

In the realm of real estate, landscaping is far from just an afterthought. It’s a strategic investment that enhances your property’s appeal, functionality, and overall value. By understanding the impact of landscaping on home value, you’re better equipped to make informed decisions that can pay off in the long run. A well-landscaped property isn’t just pleasing to the eye—it’s a testament to the care and attention you’ve invested in your home.

As you consider the role of landscaping in your timeline for selling a house, it’s worth exploring options that can simplify and expedite the process. If you’re a homeowner looking to skip the hassle of a traditional sale, FlipSplit can be your solution to save both time and money.

Our approach is refreshingly straightforward – we buy and sell houses. It starts by us offering an upfront cash offer for your home’s fair market value, without any hidden fees or commissions. To sweeten the deal, a “Profit Participation Agreement” ensures you share in any profits above the agreed benchmark, splitting it 50/50. This simplified process aligns your interests for a successful home sale, echoing the theme of investing wisely – whether in your property’s exterior or its overall selling journey.

So, whether you’re nurturing your home’s landscape or seeking a hassle-free home sale, take a step toward maximizing value – explore the potential of landscaping and discover how FlipSplit can redefine your selling experience by requesting an offer today.

Reviewed by: Brandon Brown

As a long-time Asset Manager, Investor, Real Estate Agent, and Broker/Owner of BayBrook Realty in Orange County, Brandon Brown is one of FlipSplit’s lead Real Estate experts. Having worked on over 2,000+ real estate transactions, Brandon brings a depth of knowledge that ensures clients are appropriately treated with honesty and integrity. His insights and advice have been published in numerous blogs beyond FlipSplit, and he keeps a close eye on market trends and statistics, which are updated weekly on his social media pages. Outside work, you can find him participating and serving at church, cycling, mountain biking, surfing around Orange County and beyond, and enjoying time with his wife and two daughters.