A property with a planned and carefully implemented garden has a large advantage when buyers compare many different properties, and it can give you a decent return on investment. But just how much ROI can you expect? And how to go about it?
Garden investment facts:
Garden investment raises the property value as much as 12%.
Garden investments increases your resale value 14%.
If you spend only 5% of your house’s value on garden design you may get an ROI of as much as 150%.
Landscaping and proper gardens decrease the time your property will be on the market – by up to 6 weeks.
About 90% of real estate agents encourage owners to invest in landscaping prior to selling.
The “2011 HomeGain ROI survey found that an investment in landscaping generated an average return on investment of some 258 percent, in terms of the increase in value of the home.”
Recommendations:
1. Select a property that can really benefit from an investment in landscaping. If the property is already looking beautiful, that’s very nice. But it’s not much of an opportunity for you to add value as an investor. Look for an ugly duckling you can turn into a swan.”
2. Keep one eye on the calendar. If flowerscapes are part of your strategy, look for these properties in late winter. Otherwise, you may need to adjust your strategy.
3. Synchronize. If you dig up a lot of dirt, it can take a while before the grass grows back over it. Start your landscaping projects early in your renovation plan. It may be the first project you launch. Then concentrate on interior projects while your landscaping matures into a finished product and your plants settle in.
4. Use a pro! Using reputable landscaping companies may be a bit more expensive than using fly-by-nighters. Rather have an experienced landscaper handle your garden if you plan to invest your hard earned money into it.
5. Think about lighting. Daytime isn’t the only time a buyer might notice your house . Nighttime lighting can be an important part of your landscape and home staging plan. What’s more, adequate lighting is an important security measure – and therefore a selling point for the home
6. Pay attention to drainage. If you don’t ensure you have adequate drainage, or your land is draining toward your house, you have a problem!