First impressions last, and the same goes for your home. And if you want a first impression for your home that could translate to higher value and more attention from among potential buyers should you want to sell it, then enhancing its curb appeal is a smart move.
Here are some landscaping ideas to help you get started:
Draft a plan
There is no better person to help you on home improvement matters than your Bethesda real estate agent. They have a network of reliable landscape architects or designers whom they can recommend to you.
In drafting your landscape plan, keep these in mind:
Plan a focal point
You need to identify a single subject in your garden or yard that can catch a potential buyer’s eye then plan your landscaping endeavor around this subject. It can be a lovely pathway lined with flowers or a quaint outdoor sitting area surrounded by shade-providing trees and shrubbery.
Map out your colors
Color coordination is key. If you plant red flowers along the walkway, make sure to use that color around the house, as well. Also consider using white and yellow plants since they tend to stand out the most against green foliage.
Keep seasonality in mind
The Washington DC Metro Area is part of the Mid-Atlantic region which is known for its four distinct seasons. The transition from season to season and the accompanying extreme temperature changes can make gardening a challenge. So, make sure to use heat and drought-tolerant plants like Achillea (Yarrow) or White Wood Aster, as well as cold-resistant plants like Winter Jasmine.
Make sure your landscaping complements your home
At the end of the day, you’re selling your home, not just your landscape. If you have a contemporary design, take a minimalist approach to your garden. Or, if your home is painted in neutral colors or built with natural stone, play around with more colorful plants to balance everything out.
Start planting as soon as possible
Remember that plants take time to grow, so it’s best to start planting as soon as possible. For best results, plant your flowers and foliage a year before putting your home on the market. That way, your plants have enough time to grow and thrive in your garden.
It also helps to be resourceful and work with what you have. Visit your local gardening and landscaping centers in Bethesda to find plants, supplies, and materials that work best with your property’s natural environment.
Give your plants room to grow
Here’s an expert landscaping tip: Avoid planting too close to the house, especially when you’re dealing with large shrubs. You might end up pruning them often when they become fully mature to avoid damage to the house.
Allow your plants to grow to their full size by giving space between them and your house. Ask a gardening expert on how big a certain plant will grow before making a purchase for your home’s exteriors. Allot some space among your plants to avoid an overcrowded look, as well.
These landscaping tips are just some of the recommendations that the team of Heller Coley Reed of Long & Foster Real Estate can provide to help you make a fast and profitable home sale. Call them at 240.800.5155 or send an email to hellercoleyreed(at)gmail(dotted)com. You can also send a message here.