When prospective buyers arrive to peruse your newly listed home, will they get a good first impression of the front yard? Put your gardening gloves on and roll up your sleeves. We’ve got work to do.
The front lawn, which plays a major role in the overall impression the property, should be lush and green. Even a nice looking house seems diminished with a front yard lacking appeal. If the grass is thin in some areas, make the effort to reseed or buy turf plugs from a nursery. Pro tip: Make sure to get the same type of grass. Keep up with fertilizing, weed control and mowing, and, of course, keep the lawn adequately watered.
Flowerbeds add character to the front yard. Spring is the time to display a riot of color with lots of blues, reds and yellows bringing vibrancy. In the fall, yellow and orange marigolds create a festive look going into the holiday season. Add some pumpkins in October for a festive touch. For variety, put some of your colorful plants into pots on the porch or set them in the flowerbeds. Put natural stone edging around the borders of your beds.
If your mailbox is near the street, apply a fresh coat of paint to it and make sure the house number is visible. A small bed of flowers at the base of the mailbox is a nice touch.
Rocking chairs or a small bench on the front porch, if you have room, create a welcoming setting.
Accent lighting along the walkway to the porch, in the flowerbeds and illuminating architectural features of the home create a classy, upscale atmosphere. Lighting powered with small solar panels is very affordable. Give your basic lighting over the front porch and driveway a good cleaning. If they are small older fixtures, consider replacing them with newer, larger ones that cast more light.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to do a lot to make over the front yard setting. In fact it’s possible to go overboard. A few strategic touches and additions can transform the appearance, helping buyers envision your house as their next home.
