When I was very young, my parents often moved from state to state-driven by their spirit of adventure. I became very accustomed to house hunting. When we moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, finding housing was a competitive venture and proved difficult. We finally found a listing that had the entire family excited! We got lost at least a dozen times while navigating the winding backstreets of the town until finally, my mother said, "We're here!"
We pulled up to a normal middle-class home except the yard was totally out of control. The grass was taller than I was and vines were threatening to break into the windows. The property looked like no one had raked or mowed the lawn maybe ever. My father turned the car off and we all sat in silence for a few seconds. I belted out the lyrics, "Welcome to the Jungle!" much to my mother's dismay.
Your home is your sanctuary and for many people, one of their most valuable investments monetarily and personally. Even if your intention is not to sell your house, you want pictures of birthday parties and family reunions to make you proud, not cringe. If you are trying to sell your house, the last thing you want from a potential buyer is to wonder if your house has been abandoned due to the landscaping like my experience as a child.
“Good landscaping can add up to 28% to overall home value," says Landscape Economist, John Harris.
"Even taking your landscaping from 'good' to 'excellent,' in terms of design, condition, and placement, can add 6% to 7% to a home’s value, according to a Clemson University study of homes in Greenville, S.C,” writes Lisa Kaplan Gordon of House Logic.
The front of your house and front yard are the first elements a potential buyer is going to see when considering whether or not to make a hefty investment. Having a beautifully landscaped front yard will make the perceived value of your home higher. Also, recent surveys and studies have shown that potential buyers are very interested in functional backyards with technological installations that will complement their leisure time. Accents such as lighting designs are also sought after.
Either way, whether you want picturesque photos of your home during social gatherings or you are looking to sell your yard, the last thing you want to think when you look at your home is, "Welcome to the Jungle."
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