Spring gardens boost home selling appeal,
With its bright sunshine, blooming gardens, and pleasant weather, spring has always been seen as the perfect selling season.
During this time, vendors typically emerge from the sidelines, eager to embrace the seasonal changes and showcase their homes.
For many potential buyers searching for properties this spring, a well-maintained garden can significantly influence the outcome of a sale.
Buyer’s agent Cate Bakos emphasized that an attractive garden can capture the attention of buyers.
Interestingly, some buyers may struggle to envision the results of their own landscaping efforts, making a good garden crucial.
“For individuals who struggle to visualize, they might not realize that what they love about a property is often its garden,” she stated.
“Many people tell me, ‘I can’t pinpoint it. It was simply the vibe.’
“Interestingly, this vibe often correlates with natural light or a beautiful garden. Buyers may not realize they value these aspects.”
“If you’re selling a property without an impressive garden, potential buyers who can’t visualize may not appreciate its true worth.”
Start from the street
Impressions Landscape Design principal designer and creative director Adam McDonald emphasized that maximizing a property’s street frontage impact is essential.
“This is the initial impression that potential buyers notice. It can quickly create or even diminish their desire for the property,” Mr. McDonald explained.
“The objective should be to establish a setting that fosters a connection with buyers upon arrival and during their departure.”
He noted that a garden should harmonize with and enhance the house’s architecture, making the overall picture look cohesive and inviting.
“Key areas to focus on include ensuring the garden appears well-maintained and free of weeds,” he advised.
“Selecting appropriate plants that complement the property’s style is crucial. If there are broken paving sections or unsafe elements, these issues need addressing.”
“Buyers generally prefer properties they can move into without facing a long list of tasks that alter their perception.”
“If there are gaps to fill, examine the garden from a broader perspective. This way, you can highlight appealing planting options.”
Avoid relying on the quick and easy solution
Secret Gardens creative director Matthew Cantwell stated that buyers can easily detect a last-minute garden touch-up from a distance.
“Things like mulching are crucial. If there are weeds present, mulching well can make the garden feel tidier and more cohesive,” he noted.
“Additionally, it’s essential to use materials from a landscape supplier, rather than opting for basic red bark chip from Bunnings.”
When prospective buyers discuss their strategies for purchasing a home, Mr. Cantwell mentioned they often do not talk within the house itself.
“They certainly engage in these conversations in the garden. Therefore, it’s important to create a comfortable and protected space,” he explained.
Furthermore, making an effort to help potential buyers visualize how they could use the space requires some thoughtful planning, according to Mr. Cantwell.
“Therefore, investing effort into decorating key outdoor entertaining spaces is essential. This might involve hiring furniture or at least cleaning existing pieces.
Additionally, styling the area is important so potential guests can envision themselves enjoying the outdoors.
We are naturally drawn to the beautiful, warm climate we experience. Sometimes, the garden compensates for shortcomings in the home’s interior.
In my opinion, the garden can often be considered the largest room in the house.
Thus, decluttering the garden is crucial; it involves removing old pots and unnecessary mess.
Moreover, it’s beneficial to put effort into styling the space and enhancing the appearance of the pots.”
Green grass
“Sellers who wish to make their gardens presentable in a sustainable and affordable manner should consider a lush green lawn.
According to Mr. McDonald, this can serve as an excellent starting point for enhancing the property’s appearance.
Moreover, planning in early spring can significantly prepare for an appealing lawn area for potential buyers.
Top dressing and fertilizing during early spring will effectively fill in divots and patches throughout the lawn.
As a result, homeowners can expect to see a vibrant and lush lawn about four to six weeks later.
This process is relatively simple, affordable, and makes a noticeable impact on the property’s overall presentation.
In addition to this, it’s essential to cut back and tidy the plants for better structure and form.
Weeding out scrappy weeds and adding a fresh layer of mulch to garden beds also contributes significantly.
This approach is a highly effective and cost-efficient way to rejuvenate the property’s appearance and vitality.
Furthermore, backyards and pool areas should also receive attention when preparing the home for sale, Mr. McDonald advised.
Pool areas need to maintain a neat and manageable appearance, which enhances the overall property appeal.
In addition, the rear garden should create a setting where buyers can envision themselves socializing with family for years.”
Not necessarily a deal breaker
“Ms. Bakos noted that a well-maintained garden is not always a primary selling point for every potential buyer.
In fact, investors may not be particularly enthusiastic about an impressive garden.
This is because renters typically have less incentive to care for the garden compared to homeowners.
Consequently, the likelihood of a renter maintaining the garden is generally lower than that of a buyer who lives there.”
