• Well-maintained landscaping can be a major contributor to a home’s value, and it could potentially influence an owner’s ability to sell the property.
  • According to a survey by the National Association of Landscape Professionals, 84 percent of those surveyed agreed that the quality of the landscaping would affect their decision to buy a home.
  • The same suggestions for ROI that apply to interior renovations also can be applied to landscaping and other exterior upgrades.
  • Contemporary features, energy efficiency and keeping within community standards are recommendations that apply to a home’s landscaping, as well as its interior.

Landscaping can be a major contributor to a home’s value and could potentially influence an owner’s ability to sell the property. According to a National Association of Landscape Professionals survey, 84 percent of Americans agree that the quality of a home’s landscaping would affect their decision to buy the home.

Here are four landscaping suggestions for real estate agents to share with clients:

1. Be welcoming

From the moment potential buyers open the front door, the home’s interior should be welcoming. The same goes for landscaping. It’s the first impression individuals get of the house and perhaps the whole neighborhood.

The landscaping should be attractive enough to make prospective buyers want to walk through the front door.

2. Keep property well-maintained

A home’s exterior needs to be as well-maintained and up-to-date as its interior. Bushes, shrubs and trees should regularly be trimmed and replaced approximately every five to 10 years, so they don’t overwhelm the house.

Landscaping also includes the appearance of flower beds, lawn ornamentation and front porch furniture. All should be clean, painted and neat.

3. Stay within community norms

Elaborate or out-of-the-ordinary landscaping might bring enjoyment to the current homeowner, but it won’t necessarily add to a home’s value.

Real estate agents can tell a “back-to-nature” seller that a lawn of native grasses and wildflowers could be perceived as ill-kept when compared to the well-manicured yards on the block.

Desert succulents

Earl Goodson / Shutterstock.com

4. Be energy-efficient

House hunters want homes that are energy-efficient both inside and out. Real estate agents should suggest that homeowners consider landscaping techniques designed to create a visually attractive landscape by using low-water and drought-resistant grass, plants, shrubs and trees. They likely will appeal to potential buyers wanting to save money and time on landscaping.

Landscaping can help make a home’s exterior as attractive and enjoyable as the interior. Similar to an interior remodeling, homeowners should contact an appraiser before making any major upgrades to learn more about how those renovations might impact property values.

Appraisal Institute Designated Members can be found using Appraisal Institute’s Find an Appraiser search tool.

Scott Robinson, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS, is the 2016 president of the Appraisal Institute, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers, with nearly 20,000 professionals in almost 60 countries throughout the world. 

Email Scott Robinson.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×