In today's market, sellers have to work harder than ever to get buyers' attention and get them to check out their home. The lure of the often lower-priced foreclosures and short sales make it challenging for regular sellers to get their homes noticed. Here are a few easy and inexpensive ways to improve your home's curb appeal.
1. Add splashes of color. For example, put in a few purple salvia or lavender among your other front yard planting.
2. Size trees and shrubs to scale. The goal is to not have your plants blocking windows, doors, or any architectural features that you want prospective buyers to see. Also, if you have too many trees or shrubs, buyers may be concerned about yard maintenance.
3. Keep your lawn in perfect shape. Now this one will be particularly challenging this year in Folsom as we head into summer with only two days of watering allowed a week.
4. Let buyers hear the soothing sounds of water. A small fountain or water feature in the backyard will provide a pleasant sound and block street noise. Once again, with our water restrictions in Folsom, it would need to be a small fountain.
5. Use some decorative architectural elements. These can be inexpensive but effective. Think window boxes or wrought iron decorations (you can find them at local nurseries or home improvement stores).
There you go, just a few quick, inexpensive landscaping tips to wow buyers.