Looking for a simple, inexpensive upgrade to give your property a selling edge?
Try some lovely landscaping.
It doesn't matter whether you are planning to sell this year or five years from now, beautiful landscaping will give you very high returns on your investment now and later. And, with landscaping, the value usually increases with time and a little TLC.
For return on investment, landscaping rivals kitchen and bathroom remodeling, experts say, but a simple landscape upgrade can be done for much less than either of those interior upgrades.
According to Realtor Magazine, a minor kitchen remodel averages about $15,000 and returns than 98 percent of the cost.
Landscaping done well can return 100 percent to 200 percent of an investment and can be accomplished for an average of $5,000, according to Money Magazine.
Sources differ on the value beautiful landscaping adds to a home. However, estimates range from a 10 percent to 20 percent increase in value. This Old House magazine (April 2003) puts the value at 20 percent. Smart Money magazine (March 2003) reports that if you spend 5 percent of the value of your home on landscaping, you increase the value by 15 percent.
Experts generally agree that landscaping should be modest. Complicated garden designs and vegetation that requires a lot of tending won't increase most home values.
Of course, landscaping alone won't help sell a home in poor condition, but it will lift a home's profile among similar properties.
Don't confuse landscaping with simple exterior curb appeal. Nearly any property can be made more appealing by keeping the lawns trimmed and mowed, removing lawn ornaments, and judiciously placing flowers. Landscaping involves more permanent elements, such as ornamental and shade trees, flower beds, and water features.
If you decide to improve your home's landscaping, consider getting professional advice from a landscape architect or designer. Even if you do the actual installation yourself, getting professional advice can prevent some common landscaping errors that actually decrease the value of your home.
One typical error is planting pine trees too close to the home. The trees may look nice when they are small, but 20 years later an enormous pine tree can dwarf a home. Planting the right trees can make or break your landscape.
The Hollywood Riviera has its own Garden Club by the way - The Riviera Garden Club. Check out their website for more info http://www.RivieraGardenClub.org
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