Are you preparing to sell your home in the near future? If so, it is important to ensure the outside of the house attracts buyers. A well-kept garden can add as much as 10-percent value to your home. Prior to selling, there are a few tips you can follow to ensure the exterior of your home is inviting and beautiful.
Clean Water Features
Algae, leaves and other vegetation that may be obstructing water features must be cleared and filters cleaned. This will ensure that the water is crystal clear. Water features that do not have aesthetic appeal are an instant turnoff to buyers.
Fix Irrigation Issues
If there are issues with the irrigation system, get them fixed immediately. Although the repairs can be expensive, the buyer should not inherit these costs. If you have an automatic irrigation system, provide the schedule and include instructions to its operation. Also, recommend a watering schedule with which you have been successful.
Label your Plants
By labeling the plants, the buyer will know the name of each plant so they can research growing needs and it makes your garden more aesthetically pleasing. Take this idea a step further and make a scrapbook of your plants and leave it on the table for buyers to browse through as they tour the residence.
Organize Perennial Beds
Organize herbaceous plants that do not appear as they should. If the plant is in poor shape and needs to be removed, replace it or place a decorative pot in its location. Prior to selling your home it the best time to remove plants that you want to transport to your new home. It is important to inform the buyer of plants that you may have removed.
Plant Some Color
Seasonal color is an inexpensive way of making your landscape pop. Plant several colors or use a monochromatic scheme, whichever is the best option for your home.
Power Wash Unappealing Surfaces
Purchase or rent a power washer to clean paved surfaces. In a short amount of time, you can turn those grungy walkways and decorative bricks into brand new. Power washers are also an excellent tool to clean fences and vinyl siding.
Repair Faucet Leaks
Leaking faucets indicate that there are other internal plumbing issues which can instantly turn-off potential buyers. Prior to your home being shown, water the plants approximately a half hour prior to the open house. This will reduce the glare of any paved surfaces around your garden and send a message that the property is well-maintained. To take the focus from a leaky faucet, run the irrigation system to show the buyers it is working properly.
Restore the Mulch
A new application of mulch can really spruce up the look of your house. Therefore, apply a fresh layer to all garden beds prior to showing. The color will enhance the contrast of the plants and make the garden pop even more.
Shape Unsightly Shrubs
Regardless of which season you are showing your home, you must improve overlooked pruning chores. Nothing says neglect to a buyer like dead branches and unkempt shrubs. By clearing unsightly shrubs and branches, you are showing the buyer that the house is well-maintained.
Tidy up Outdoor Containers
Container plants can add charm and appeal to your landscape and demonstrate that there are endless possibilities for design with container plants.
Naomi Findlay is Australia's renovation royalty and works with people around the country helping them create beautiful spaces with her online courses. 
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