Preparing your home for sale may require more preparation than a year or two ago. It feels different today in the housing market. There were fewer homes for sale this time last year, but the record is still historically low. An essential factor that impacts a sale is curb appeal, not staging or updating paint colors. When a house has been on the market for a while, it may not appeal to potential buyers so it helps to boost your home’s curb appeal. However, there’s a catch. Many homes and apartments for rent in El Paso, TX, are still priced at market value and are updated.

How a house looks from the outside determines how welcoming a home feels when a prospect drives by or views pictures online. Seventy-one percent of home buyers consider curb appeal important, according to a 2013 National Association of Realtors survey.

Maintaining your yard can increase the value of your home and make it easier to sell. Landscape economist John Harris claims that a well-designed landscape can add up to 28 percent to the overall value of a home and even reduce the time it takes to sell by 10 to 15 percent. Landscapes with mature trees are especially prone to this problem. According to the Arbor Day Foundation, trees with mature leaves affect the saleability of homes over $250,000.

The first impression is crucial. It is common for prospective buyers to only go inside a house if they like how it looks from the street. Today, houses with curb appeal that are presented well sell quickly, sometimes for more than they are listed for. At realtor.com, Chief Economist Danielle Hale says: “Since buyers are pickier and prices are high, it makes sense they’ll choose the best properties.”

As spring’s buying season approaches, now is the time to prepare your house for sale. Working with a trusted real estate agent to determine the most valuable improvements in your local market would be best.

Take small steps to boost your home’s curb appeal

Consider smaller projects you can do yourself to prioritize updates that will pay off. Taking steps to boost your home’s curb appeal with little updates usually works. According to Investopedia:

Curb-appeal projects make the property appear attractive to prospective buyers when they arrive. Even though some of these projects may not add much monetary value, they may help your home sell more quickly. In addition, a lot of the work can be done by you, which saves you time and money.”

It makes a great first impression on buyers if you refresh some paint or power wash the exterior of your home. Identify low-cost projects you can do around your house that will appeal to local buyers by working with a real estate professional.

Remember that updates are not all created equally

If you plan to renovate or repair your house before selling it, remember that you are doing so for someone else. If you want to sell a house fast or for more money, prioritize projects to help you sell faster.

NAR’s 2022 Remodeling Impact Report highlights popular home improvements and their returns.

For the best advice on updates, consult your trusted real estate advisor. You’ll be able to sell your house quickly this spring by knowing what local buyers are looking for.

The following are eight tips from arborist R.J. Davey at The Davey Tree Expert Company:

Clean up the yard first

Debris, dead branches, and weeds should be removed. This is an easy way to boost your home’s curb appeal as it is general maintenance.

Examine your plants’ health

Removing dead and dying plants and replacing them with healthy plants suitable for the site is essential. In landscaping, maintenance is of utmost importance.

Layer your landscape

Up front, plant small, low plants and shrubs behind them, followed by ornamental trees in the back. Large trees will complement your home’s scale. Your front door should be the focal point of the landscaping.

Strategic planting is key

Trees have many benefits, including shading, cooling, erosion control, reducing air pollution, and providing privacy. To reduce summer air-conditioning costs, plant deciduous trees on the west and east sides of a building; evergreen trees can block prevailing winter winds and help reduce heating costs.

Prune trees and shrubs

Besides improving visual appeal, this will also improve structure and longevity. Laverne says mature trees fetch more money for houses.

Spread mulch

It gives the yard a tidier appearance to mulch around the base of trees. Additionally, it keeps roots moist and reduces the growth of weeds. The amount of mulch you need is about two inches.

Diverse plants can provide seasonal interest

Start with spring flowers (crocuses and daffodils), then summer flowering trees and shrubs (redbuds and forsythia), then fall color trees (maples, oaks, viburnums).

Could you keep it simple?

Water, fertilize and prune plants and grass that work well in your environment. Trees need soil, water, and sunlight. Despite relatively low maintenance costs, they provide abundant benefits: better air, reduced energy bills, homes for wildlife, beauty, and a substantial return on investment.

Plants and trees in your yard are valuable. You’ll reap the benefits of proper tree care and landscaping this season.

Conclusion

Spring is here, so get your house ready to sell. Find out which updates make the most sensible by connecting today.