The term 'curb appeal' is often used by realtors to describe a home's overall appeal to buyers, but many sellers either don't know what the term really means, or have not yet embraced its importance. Yet ignoring the importance of curb appeal can cost sellers time and money in today's extremely competitive market.



The simple truth is this: curb appeal can mean the difference between a quick sale and a home that languishes on the market. So what is curb appeal? Simply put, it is the impression your home makes when a potential buyer first pulls into the driveway. It's the 'wow' factor, or the elements of your home that set it apart from other homes in your neighborhood, and the hundreds of other homes likely on the market within your town or city. It is not difficult to increase the curb appeal of your home, and landscaping is a very simple yet critical step. Trees, shrubs, flowers, and other tasteful landscaping elements will provide a beautiful backdrop for your home, and provide a healthy return on your initial investment. Think green Your lawn is the foundation of your property and should be your first area of attention. A home which is surrounded by a green, lush, well-manicured lawn will give potential buyers an instant, favorable impression. Most home buyers are looking for a home that is as close to move-in condition as possible. A brown, overgrown, or weed-filled lawn not only gives an overall impression of neglect, it also tells potential home buyers that they will need to put time money into fixing the problem. If your lawn is shabby, it sets a negative tone from the start. You don't want buyers thinking about additional issues your home may have before they even walk through the door. Before you put your home on the market, take the time to address any problem areas your lawn may have. Get rid of unsightly weeds and brown patches, laying down new sod where necessary. Of course, maintaining your lawn with regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing is a must. Trees and shrubs add appeal Adding the right trees and shrubs to your real estate can vastly increase your home's overall appeal. Trees and shrubs provide shade, privacy, and add beautiful greenery to your landscape, with several affordable options available. Look for draught resistant trees and shrubs such as Palms, Bougainvilleas, and Hibiscus, which do not require frequent watering and thrive in the Florida climate. Before purchasing trees and shrubs for your lawn, take several days to study the sunlight patterns on your property. This is critical when choosing trees and shrubs because some require direct sunlight, while others only thrive in partial sunlight or full shade. You can typically judge a plant's sunlight requirements by observing their placement at the nursery. If they are displayed in direct sunlight, they will need a similar environment once your plant them on your property. The same applies for plants displayed in shaded areas. Stop to smell the flowers Flowers add splashes of beautiful, seasonal color to your landscaping scheme. As an added bonus, fragrant varieties such as Jasmine and Gardenia pleasantly scent the air around your home. Fountains, ponds, and other garden elements are usually a big hit with buyers, but don't overdo it. Draw the line between tasteful garden decor and tacky lawn ornaments. No garden gnomes, pink flamingos, or whirly-gigs allowed. When choosing flowers for your property, you should once again take sunlight requirements into consideration. Flowers are not typically as hardy as trees and shrubs, and tend to be very sensitive to lighting and soil quality. Also, perennials are likely your most cost-effective flower choice. With proper care, perennials will bloom year after year, while annuals die after one season and do not flower again the following spring. Add a bit of polish When it comes to landscaping, mulch is the glue that holds all of your other elements together. This is likely why most landscape architects use mulched flower beds and pathways in their landscape schemes. Cedar mulch adds a polished appearance to your property, prevents weeds, repels insects and offers protection for delicate root systems. It is inexpensive and easy to do, even for beginners, and can be found at most nurseries and home improvement stores. The 'wow' factor Landscaping is one of the easiest ways to add instant appeal to your home and set it apart from other homes on the market. A beautiful, well-manicured lawn, appropriately placed trees and shrubs, and mulched flower beds will ensure that your home makes that positive first impression on potential buyers. This is a positive impression that will linger with potential home buyers as they view the interior of your home, and can lead to the speedy offers you are looking for.