Upgrade your Home with Landscaping

If you're considering selling your home and you'd like to get a reasonable price, you absolutely must be thorough in the preparation of your property to offer the most appeal to potential buyers – especially in the down real estate market that we're currently experiencing. With many more available homes than buyers, your property will have to draw attention and do it fairly quickly, before a would-be buyer moves on to the other ten candidates on his or her list. It's therefore important to regard all of the factors that will make up your home's selling price. Homes have historically increased in value over time because of good location, but there are a number of other ways to help boost the value of your property, as well. One such method is to treat your home to a great hairdo, facial and manicure – that is, a beautiful landscape.

Landscaping simply involves improving the appearance of the land area around your home. Many neighborhood associations require that their homeowners maintain a well-manicured lawn, but landscaping involves a bit more than just that. After all, a pretty green yard devoid of crabgrass and weeds is beautiful to look at but would hardly be a determining factor for most homebuyers.

To improve the landscape of your property, you'll want to pick the right flowers, shrubs and trees to create the 'look and feel' that you desire. Shrubs can be short and box-like or large to promote privacy. A complementary or contrasting effect can be created with the trees you select. You can create a private area with a copse of trees, or you might choose to make a place to hang a hammock for those lazy, late-summer snoozes.

But landscaping doesn't just involve the addition of living things. Smart and stylish placement of decks, gazebos and outdoor fountains can all be part of well-executed landscaping. And you don't have to settle for the standard fare; you can choose deck designs with two or three levels and screened-in areas, or hot tubs, fire pits and any number of other amenities that you'd like to include.

Although landscaping is an extension of your family's home, it can also be an escape. When you feel like 'getting away' for a little while without having to actually travel anywhere, you can simple go outside and be transported into a lush, peaceful and even exotic setting. Just a little time spent in such an atmosphere can help to relieve the stress built up from a long day at work.

Plants that are beautiful but low in maintenance have the benefit of only needing occasioning watering and seasonal fertilization. Fruit trees and vegetable gardens that are well-maintained can provide you with a delicious and convenient harvest just outside your door. (It's takes considerable time and effort to start a vegetable garden, so it's great for buyers when a home comes with one.)

Of course, you can do your own landscaping, but hiring a professional could be worth the money if you have a grand dream for your outdoor areas. Seek someone that will give you a free consultation. Above all, shop diligently for a qualified, experienced and reasonably-priced individual or landscaping company, one that will gladly provide you with references.

Landscaping is a fantastic way to improve your home's 'curb appeal.' An immaculate outdoor appearance will quickly draw the eye of prospective buyers, because first impressions are very important. You'll also find that it will help your home to retain its worth in today's slower market.