First impressions matter, which is why you shouldn’t neglect curb appeal before listing your property for sale. Certain additions and improvements on your lawn will not only allow you to sell your house in Texas for a higher amount, but will also guarantee more interested buyers offering higher bids. In fact, the extra effort you put into landscaping alone can increase your sales profit by 5.5-12.7%.To capitalize on your home’s potential and maximize its value, be sure to complete these seven front yard updates to boost home value.
1. Install a Sprinkler System
The easiest way to maintain a healthy lawn is with a sprinkler system. A professional installation costs on average $5,000, but the eventual ROI (return on investment) will be well worth your money. Potential buyers will appreciate a low-maintenance, well-kept yard, and it’ll save you precious time throughout the sales process for you to focus on other impending matters.
2. Plant Trees and Flowers
There are many reasons why trees are one of the best front yard updates you can do. Not only do they add to your home’s visual appeal, but they also increase privacy and create shade for the household.
While not as functional as trees, flowers add a touch of color that catches the eye and makes your property all the more attractive.
Before planting either, keep in mind how much maintenance each type requires, and if it’s something you can handle. After all, no plants are better than dead or dying ones. Also, be sure not to plant trees too close to the house or to each other, as their roots and branches will lengthen over time.
3. Install Lighting
Outdoor lighting helps with safety and lets you show off your braggable landscaping at any time of day. Consider a few small lights along your sidewalk and driveway, or spotlights for your home’s exterior. If chosen well, light fixtures can add style and character to your lawn space, too.
4. Give Your Home’s Exterior a Paint Job
So it’s not technically part of your front yard updates, but a fresh new coat of paint will truly make your home shine. If it looks fine already and you would rather budget your money elsewhere, at least consider the front and garage doors. Potential buyers will be getting a good look at them each time they enter and leave, so an attractive entrance will set a positive tone for the house tour.
5. Add Architectural Features
You don’t have to go all out and build a porch for your pre-sale front yard updates. Unless you want to, of course. After all, it would add square footage. But even little touches, like a trellis over the beginning of your pathway, or a swing or hammock hanging from a big tree, will add character and appeal to the outdoor area.
6. Add a Pathway
If you don’t have one already, we recommend adding a pathway to your front door. It’s an important feature that potential buyers may want, and you can get a little more out of your sale because of it. Plus, it’s another opportunity to make your yard more charming. Depending on your house type, you can go with brick, slate, or cobblestone, just to name a few options. But remember, don’t choose anything too unique or personalized that will turn people away.
7. Add a Paver Driveway
If you’re looking for front yard updates with a high ROI, look no further than a paver driveway. At an average cost of $17,000, it’s certainly a big undertaking. But it’ll also raise your property value by a lot, as paver driveways are more durable and better looking than the concrete alternative. These front yard updates to boost home value will help you sell your house in Houston quick!