Selling your house can be a stressful situation, and making sure the landscape is always in top condition is no easy task. But what if you're selling your house during the middle of winter? These chilly months create unique challenges for yard presentation, especially if your landscape is full of deciduous trees and shrubs as well as a type of turfgrass that goes fully dormant. But not to worry.
"You can transform a barren winter landscape into a lasting first impression," says master gardener Paul James. "You can punch things up a bit and enhance the appeal of your property. As a matter of fact, much of what you can do won't take more than a weekend and won't cost you a dime, yet may reward you with more than a few extra bucks."
One of the first steps to primping your property is to routinely freshen your yard. Every other day, tidy the landscape by picking up any stray sticks, leaves or other yard debris. Not only does this make the yard orderly, but it shows potential buyers you care about the condition of your landscape.
Also, prune away any dead or damaged branches to keep plants looking healthy and well-maintained. Do a quick overview of your garden and flower beds to determine if any perennials need to be cut back. Trim away any overgrown or out-of-control plants, and cut away any dead branches from evergreens. If you have any ponds or water gardens, clear them of fallen leaves or debris. Also, check the pumps and filters to make sure they are still operating correctly.
Aside from the day-to-day tidying of the landscape, there are other ways to instantly makeover your yard. "Nothing improves the look of a landscape like mulch," says James. "It's the kind of thing where you can spend $50 and potentially get back as much as $500. Now that's some serious bang for your buck!" If you already have mulch, fluff the existing mulch by turning it over to create a fresh laid look.
Preventative maintenance is equally as important as an organized landscape. Once any threats of freezing temperatures have passed, coil garden hoses neatly so buyers can see where the faucets are located, and store clay pots neatly upside down so they don't collect moisture. If you don't already have gutter guards installed, consider either hiring someone to install them or doing the project yourself. Gutter guards are inexpensive and a sure way to impress potential buyers.
Assuming you have sufficient notice of a buyer's arrival, mist indoor houseplants to freshen the foliage. Sweep or blow the paved areas such as sidewalks and the front porch to clear away any leaves or debris.
"And speaking of the front porch," says James, " this is where you really want to spruce things up, and a couple of dwarf Alberta spruces in pots may be just the ticket. In other words, spend the most time and effort on areas people will notice first."
If you have an automatic sprinkler system, run a zone before buyers come so they can see it in action, and be sure to mention the system in any advertising. Point out dormant bulbs, perennials and trees in your landscape to prospective buyers, as well.
)
)
)
)
)
