May 18 | Posted by Barry

A well-maintained garden is often much more important than many people realize. First impressions are crucial. They can be a determining factor in whether or not a would-be buyer makes an offer on a home.

Aside from the obvious aesthetic appeal, gardens draw people in and welcome them into a home; whereas a poorly maintained yard can be a major deterrent and may actually stop people from viewing the property.

According to a National Post survey, the value of a home can actually increase as much as 11% through landscaping. Investing some time and money in the landscaping of your property can significantly improve your resale potential.

Some simple tips for maintaining your garden and property exterior include:
- Clean the windows of your home, both inside and out.
- Use a power washer to clean aging brick, removing dirt build-up.
- Paint the trim of doors and windows to create a clean, fresh look.
- Sweep away leaves, etc., from the porch and driveway.
- Clean eavestroughs of any debris that may have collected.
- Put potted flowers/urns/plants on the front/back porch (also an effective technique if you live in a condo with a balcony).
- Cut and edge the grass and ensure that it is weed-free.
- Trim any overgrown shrubs or branches.
- Ensure that no exterior light blubs are burnt out.

These tips can not only help draw people into your home, but can also increase the value of your property.


Source: Morris, Helen. “Clean up, cash in.” National Post 15 May 2010: PH2