Transform Your Home’s First Impression: Maximizing Curb Appeal

How Simple Outdoor Improvements Can Attract Buyers and Increase Value

Why It Matters — What Realtors & Landscape Experts Say

Nearly 92% of Realtors strongly recommend that sellers boost curb appeal before listing, acknowledging its critical role in attracting buyers and commanding better sale prices.

 97% of Realtors believe curb appeal is important—75% rating it “very important”.

Outdoor Projects That Stand Out

Landscape professionals have witnessed a surge in demand for certain outdoor enhancements, particularly since the pandemic:

• Overall landscape upgrades (61%)

• Landscape maintenance (58%)

• New patio installations (55%).

Meanwhile, projects like wood decks (15%), in-ground pools (25%), and tree care services (29%) saw comparatively less demand.

What Projects Deliver the Best Returns—and Joy

Not all outdoor improvements are equal in payoff. Here’s a look at some of the standout choices:

Top ROI Props:

• Standard lawn care service (e.g., six seasonal fertilizer/weed control applications): 217% cost recovery—the highest of all projects.

• Landscape maintenance (mulching, mowing, planting): 104% recovery.

• Overall landscape upgrade and outdoor kitchen installation: each returns 100%.

• New patio yields around 95% recovery.

What Homeowners Love Most (Joy Score: scale 1–10):

• In-ground pool & landscape lighting – 10

• New patio – 9.9

• Wood deck – 9.7

• Fire feature – 9.7

• Overall landscape upgrade – 9.6.

Balanced Insights: What Recommends by Realtors vs What Shines with Buyers

Realtors Often Suggest:

• Landscape maintenance – recommended by 74%

• Standard lawn care – 53%

• Tree care – 44%.

Least likely to be recommended before selling:

• In-ground pool, outdoor kitchen – just 1% each

• Irrigation systems – 2%.

What Landscape Pros Reported Growing Demand For:

• Overall landscape upgrades – 61%

• Landscape maintenance – 58%

• New patios – 55%

• Lower demand: wood decks (15%), in-ground pools (25%), tree care (29%).

Ideas to Elevate Your Curb Appeal—Without Overspending

1. Start with Lawn Care & Maintenance

   • Lawn services and maintenance not only boost value but also have the highest cost return. Add mulch, trim shrubbery, seed bare spots, and edge walkways for a polished look.

2. Upgrade Hardscape for Functionality & Aesthetic

   • Adding or refreshing patios, pathways, or flagstone walkways (elements of an overall landscape upgrade) can enhance both usability and visual impact.

3. Use Lighting Strategically

   • Landscape lighting adds ambiance and security—plus, it scores high on the Joy Index (10).

4. Consider High-Joy Upgrades with Moderate ROI

   • Features like in-ground pools or fire pits may not recoup costs fully, but they deliver high emotional appeal and increased enjoyment.

5. Avoid Over-Extended Projects Before Selling

   • Focus on clean, impactful updates rather than complex or labor-intensive builds that yield lower resale returns.

6. First Impressions Matter

   • Keep the yard tidy and decluttered—avoid quirky decor, excessive personal items, or overgrown elements that might repel buyers.

7. Trend-Inspired Touches

   • Spruce things up with eco-friendly upgrades like native plantings, LED lighting, or refreshed paint on doors and trims.

8. Front Door Refresh

   • A simple front door upgrade or fresh paint could enhance perceived value significantly—even adding up to $40,000 in some markets.

Bottom Line: Love Your Outdoor Space & Watch It Love You Back

By focusing on projects that strike the right balance between cost efficiency and buyer appeal, homeowners can:

• Capture superior cost recovery.

• Improve emotional satisfaction with features people cherish.

• Accelerate their home’s sale and potentially raise its final value.

Whether you’re planning to sell soon or enhancing your everyday lifestyle, investing smartly in curb appeal is a winner in every season.

Read More On How Improving Curb Appeal Can Benefit You when Selling: https://realtytimes.com/real-industry-news-articles/item/1046660-most-realtors-recommend-improving-curb-appeal-and-homeowners-can-benefit-financially-and-emotionally-by-remodeling-outdoor-features-nar-nalp-report-finds?rtmpage=