Many of us want an attractive yard.
First of all, it makes life more pleasant all the way around. Who doesn’t love to sit outside in the evening and enjoy the view?
But landscaping can also mean better resale value in some cases. Just upgrading your curb appeal can be an advantage when you decide to sell. A home’s first impression can be a big deal in the long run. It can help your home sell faster, and even for a little bit more.
However, it’s important to understand that with many home improvement projects, you don’t get a dollar-for-dollar return on investment. Putting a ton of money into your landscaping may not yield the results you want.
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The good news is that you might not have to make a huge outlay. Here are four landscaping upgrades you make for less than $1,200:
Tidy Your Yard
The first step is to tidy your yard. It doesn’t have to be a big expense, and it can make a huge difference. Tackle the weeds. A little “weed and feed” can go a long way and doesn’t have to cost very much.
You can also trim your trees and bushes, getting them back in order. Trim around the edges of your yard to keep things looking neat. Regular mowing can also help with the overall look and feel of your yard.
Finally, take a rake and “fluff” your mulch. If you have mulch, it can start looking old and drab. A little work with a rake can freshen it. Add a little more if you need to.
Add Perennials to Your Yard
Adding a pop of color can boost your yard’s appeal. You don’t have to keep planting flowers year after year, though. Perennials bloom every year so they will come back. Do a little research to find out when different flowers bloom. With the right approach, you can get flowers that bloom at different points in the spring and summer.
You can mix in annuals, but if you choose perennials for the main bulk of your flowers, it will cost less in the long run.
Use containers on your porch to bring a little more variety and color to the entryway.
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Plant Trees
People are willing to pay a little more for a home that has trees. You can capitalize on that by planting trees in your own yard.
Trees can get expensive, though. If you want to avoid paying a lot of money for trees, it makes sense to buy them when they are smaller. It means you have to wait a little bit longer to enjoy the shade, but it can be a worthwhile investment.
Fruit trees can also be a good choice. However, you have to be prepared to invest the time in tidying up after the fruit falls, since you don’t want a messy yard.
Figure out which trees are likely to thrive in your climate and your yard, and plant a few young trees to help you get a good start to your yard.
Boost Your Outdoor Living Space
Finally, don’t forget to boost your outdoor living space. It can be expensive to add a whole sunroom or outdoor living room. However, you can get a similar effect by spending less than $1,200.
Buy a few chairs and an outdoor table. Consider buying a fire bowl. The addition of low-cost fairy lights to the deck can make it attractive during summer evenings.
There are ways to create an attractive patio or deck without spending an arm and a leg. Buy a couple of chairs and a small bistro table to sit in front of your home if the front patio is large enough.
When you create areas that allow people to feel at home and entertain, you invite them to buy a lifestyle — not just a house. Plus, it can provide you with plenty of enjoyment while you are living in the home.
Landscaping upgrades can be inexpensive and help you enjoy your time in the home more. And, when it comes time to sell, you can reap the advantages as well.
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Our advise is based on experience in the mortgage industry and we are dedicated to helping you achieve your goal of owning a home. We may receive compensation from partner banks when you view mortgage rates listed on our website.
