Homeowners preparing to sell their property typically make changes so that it is appealing to buyers. Renovating and staging the home’s interior can make a significant difference to the sales price; however, buyers see the front yard first, so curb appeal can be even more important when selling a home. The exterior of a home is the first opportunity to make a positive impression. Not all renovations, though, provide the ROI that justifies the investment. Here is a list of common front-yard updates to increase your home sales price.
Manufactured Stone Veneer
Manufactured stone veneer is a great way to give a home a makeover with a high return on investment. Renovating the exterior siding and replacing it with a stone veneer can be less expensive than using natural stone. According to Hanley Wood’s Remodelling Cost vs. Value 2020 Report, homeowners can expect to recoup around 95% of their investment should they sell the home.
Choosing the right stone to compliment the home and lawn can give even the most tired exterior a sophisticated facelift. To keep costs reasonable, many homeowners only replace the front exterior as part of their reno, giving the home a new look and much-welcomed equity boost.
A New Garage Door
A shabby, poorly maintained garage door gives a home an aged feel. Because the door takes up a large portion of the home’s exterior area, replacing it can revitalize the property. While replacement and labor can run around $3700, home sellers can recoup a majority of the cost when they sell, besides making the overall home inviting for buyers.
A robust garage door provides buyers peace of mind while presenting potential savings in heating and energy bills. Additionally, a tastefully chosen door can accentuate other exterior features, which will maximize first impressions and curb appeal.
A New Front Door
The front door says a lot about a property, and it’s one of the first things a prospective buyer will notice. A higher-end front door with window panels makes a great first impression. The National Association of Realtors (NAP) 2019 Report suggests that a new, high-end front door will cost roughly $2000.
Homebuyers are savvy, so increasing your home sales price and the quality of your property is essential. So, a quality front door with a robust locking mechanism is recommended.
Standard Lawn Care Service
A well-maintained lawn is very eye-catching to prospective buyers and represents an excellent ROI. According to the NAP, fertilizer, weed control, and general maintenance constitutes an investment of around $350 but can add about $1000 to the value of a home. So, this is a highly recommended project for anyone selling their home.
Though less popular, homeowners may want to consider artificial grass as an upgrade to increase home prices. These zero maintenance lawns have come a long way over the years and now come with a very natural feel and look. It’s safe for pets and kids, and in areas that suffer from water shortages or restrictions, it is a popular option. Additionally, artificial grass appeals to prospective buyers who don’t have the time or the green fingers for lawn care.
Landscape Maintenance
More plants and shrubs, well-trimmed grass, and an annual mulch application can make a huge difference when selling a home. 74% of Realtors in the NAP report recommended that homeowners undertake landscape maintenance before putting their property on the market, with a surprising 17% suggesting that landscaping sealed the deal for buyers. By fetching an extra $3000 when selling the home, the cost recovery is 100%, making this improvement well worth the investment.
Top agents suggest that homes with good landscaping can fetch anywhere between 1-10% more than homes without gardening. Design sophistication is a significant part of gaining buyer’s attention, with well-placed trees, shrubs, and large and diverse plants getting the most attention when it comes to price increases.
Marimark Realty
Marimark Realty, home to the top South Tampa Realtors, focuses on providing a personalized experience for buyers and sellers of real estate. As a full-service real estate agency, we help clients with luxury homes, homes for first-time homebuyers, commercial property, and investment property.
To begin the journey of purchasing or selling your home, or purchasing commercial or investment properties, contact us at your earliest convenience.