When selling a property, we all work hard on making the interior perfect… but what about the gardens? They are one of the first things people see when arriving to view your property. So why are they often the last thing we think about when preparing our home for sale? Here are some essential tips that will help add interest, and value, to your home.
First Impressions Count!
Take the time to ensure your front yard, path and entrance way are welcoming. Sometimes it can be tricky if your front door is on the side the property, or you have to cross a garden to reach it. Solutions include a garden bed along the path, planting shrubs to separate the lawn, or adding stepping stones to lead the way inside. Another hint to make your front garden more welcoming is to add flowering plants. It’s also important to present gardens that vendors will see as attractive yet low maintenance.
Lawns are King
If your lawn is looking tired, replace it! It’s a small expense for the reward of lush green grass potential purchasers will enjoy. And don’t forget about the edges. Edging your lawn makes your garden look manicured and cared for. For extra wow, add physical barriers between the lawn and garden beds to keep them neat, separate and defined. Timber, steel, bricks or stone are all excellent materials for this purpose.
Less can be more
Sometimes a garden with fewer plants and more mulch to keep the weeds at bay can be the key to a natural, manicured look. Flower beds don’t always have to be full to the brim with as many species as possible, sometimes pulling back, leaving some space to grow and keeping it simple can make a far stronger impression of order and care. Stick to similar species within the same garden beds for a more uniform look, or if you like extra colour and texture, include plants with unusual greenery rather than more flowers to break up the area.
Safety First
Yes, your garden should be safe. You may not have small children, pets or older relatives living in the property, but your potential buyer might! Be sure to check fencing, both around the perimeter of the property and the pool. Rules may have changed since you built your pool so check to see if there are any changes you need to make to ensure the area is still compliant with council rules and regulations. Fix anything broken that you have learned to live with as potential buyers won’t see it that way. This may include external lighting, paintwork or drainage issues. Safety should be something people viewing your home don’t think about, so anything that makes them go “oops, nearly tripped” or “ouch, that’s a little low” should be fixed before the first open for inspection.
Thinking of selling your home?
It’s a big decision to make so getting professional advice is a good idea. If you’d like to discuss your situation and talk through the various scenarios contact Team Etchells CLICK HERE or via the details below.
Donna Etchells.
E donnaetchells@mcgrath.com.au
M 0414 553 719
D 02 9532 7000
Donna Etchells - McGrath Estate Agents 