9 Must-Have Landscaping Updates to Spruce Up Your Listing

What kind of first impression does your listing make when potential buyers see it from the curb?

Although we often think of “landscaping” as grass and plants, it also includes the facade of your listing, the pathway leading to it, and the driveway.

Just like today’s buyers want turnkey homes, they want low-maintenance landscaping that’s effortlessly attractive. Focusing on simple and easy-to-maintain landscaping is key. Planting with native species and considering stormwater management will also go a long way to win over buyers.

Read on to explore our top 9 tips to boost curb appeal, then help your sellers make these a reality (and project management a bed of roses!) with Curbio!

Simple ideas to enhance landscaping and curb appeal

1. Powerwash walkways and siding

The easiest and least expensive way to make your listing look fresh is to clean it. The build-up of dirt, mildew, and debris on the walkway or siding are no match for an effective powerwash.
It is possible to clean siding by yourself using a rented power washer (we’ve heard of agents doing this frequently), but professional help is recommended if you want to do the job correctly. Why? Aside from the mess and time consumption, water can get under your listing’s siding, remove caulk and sealants, or cause other issues.

2. Give it a fresh coat of paint

If the exterior paint has faded, a fresh coat can work wonders in making your listing look well-maintained and move-in ready. The same is true if you and your sellers want it to stand out from the rest of the houses on the block. Just keep in mind that the colors you choose (this is where Curbio’s expertise can really help) should be tasteful and have broad appeal.

If the siding is clean and in good condition, it might not make sense to paint the entire house. Consider painting the front door or window frames instead. Choose a vibrant color like red, yellow, or blue to draw buyers in and give the house character and enhance its curb appeal.

3. Repair or replace walkways

If the walkways to the front or side doors pose safety hazards from uneven concrete, loose stones, or weeds, have them repaired or replaced. Even if the damage is only cosmetic, repairing it or replacing walkways can make the entire home look more inviting. Polished landscaping and gorgeous curb appeal work best with functional walkways.

4. Check the status of the roof and gutters

A roof or gutters that look battered and worn decrease the perceived value of your listing. They can also pose risks of water damage. So, have roof issues fixed prior to listing. Adding a new roof or replacing the existing one before selling can be pricey and isn’t something that most people would recommend DIY. Nevertheless, poor roof conditions can significantly deter buyers because the roof’s health can affect your entire house.

Roofing is the perfect project for Curbio’s home improvement experts. We’ll get it done quickly and correctly before you go to market. Curbio provides pre-sale home repairs and renovations with a “pay-at-closing” model – so sellers never have to go out of pocket. Learn how it works here.

5. Give your lawn some TLC

The state of the lawn will leave an immediate impression – for better or worse! After all, lawns take up a lot of real estate in the front of most homes. If the grass is dead, ten feet tall, or full of weeds, it may raise some flags for buyers who are left wondering if the same treatment applies to the inside of the house.

6. Choose an attractive mix of easy-maintenance landscaping

Vibrant flowers and shrubs can complement your listing’s facade, making it look warm, inviting, and full of life. We recommend low-maintenance options that won’t require hours of upkeep for the new homeowners. Drought-resistant and perennial plants are popular options for low-maintenance gardens. We typically choose a mix of low and medium-height flowers and plants that create a pleasing visual contrast for the most professional look.

7. Care for existing plants

What about existing bushes, trees, and other plants? They should always be well-manicured when your home goes on the market. A fresh tree and shrub trimming is an easy way to tackle some deferred outdoor maintenance before going to market.

8. Repave the driveway

Much like repairing walkways, repaving the driveway can really boost curb appeal. If the driveway is uneven, stained, or cracked from tree roots or other plants sprouting up through it, a replacement may be in order.

9. Add complementary lighting to the landscaping

Don’t forget about outdoor lighting. Whether it’s replacing, repairing, or upgrading what’s already there, or installing a totally new outdoor lighting scheme, a well-lit walkway and appropriate yard lighting make for a beautiful home. Photographing your listing in twilight is a popular trend these days — show off that new outdoor lighting and get your listing’s glow on! Lights are great for nighttime safety too.

Boosting curb appeal inside and out

Give buyers every reason to consider your listing further. Boosting curb appeal helps to set your listing apart and hook buyers with a great first impression. Delivering turnkey updates inside helps keep you on track toward a smooth closing. Kick the projects to Curbio so you can focus on building your business! Start the pre-sale update conversation by learning more about how Curbio works.