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If you’re trying to sell your home one big benefit that home buyers are looking for these days is comfortable, usable outdoor space. If you’ve got a garden, you’ll definitely stand out from other houses in the area, even if a buyer doesn’t have garden space as a priority! However, nothing can decrease a home’s value more than an ill-tended, ugly, messy garden. Here are some quick tips for improving your garden to make your property a standout for sale.
First impressions count. Even if you have a garden fit for royalty in the back of your property, if your front door “curb appeal” isn’t a standout, your sale values will suffer, so prioritise time and budget for improving the first impressions factor of your home. If you do nothing else, please do this!
Less is more. An overgrown garden can feel overwhelming to potential homeowners, who might wrongly assume the garden is too much work. Overcome this objection by clearing out the garden and leaving a bit of breathing room; trim bushes and shrubbery so it is neat and tidy. Not only will this give buyers a bit of confidence, it also gives them a bit of room to visualise how they’ll make this home their own.
Scent matters. You’ve probably heard that the smell of freshly baked bread, or brewed coffee, can make the interior of a home feel more appealing to a buyer, but did you know that aromatic flowers in a garden can also achieve a similar affect? Talk to your local nursery or check out the Australian Native Plants Society’s “Fragrance in the Garden” list for ideas.
Plan ahead at least a week. If you’re planting some fresh flowers or shrubs, be sure to do this at least a week in advance, so everything looks a bit settled for your potential new homeowners. This advice also applies if you need to do some painting.
Make it feel lived-in. While you want buyers to have a clean slate to picture themselves working in the garden and out relaxing in the space, give them a canvas to work with. Setup chairs or a small table if the space suits it. If it’s a family home and you definitely want to appeal to families, setup a swing set or play area – just something simple, just little visual cues that tell a buyer that you love this home and they will too.
Details matter. Before your property for sale goes on show or before you have an open house, sweep the porches, mow the lawn (even if it normally could wait awhile), and wash the windows. If you have fencing or gates, make sure they’re in top condition and replace/repair any damages. There’s a fine line between “rustic charm” and “old dirty garden” so keep it clean.
