Research from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) shows that outdoor home improvements are a driving force in the resale of properties, especially during summer months. This goes for residential real estate as well as commercial spaces.
“REALTORS® understand that a home’s first impression is its curb appeal, so when it comes time to sell, a well-manicured yard can be just as important as any indoor remodel,” says Elizabeth Mendenhall, President of NAR. “It is not just homeowners that need to think about curb appeal when it comes time to sell; a beautiful exterior is just as important for commercial property owners. In fact, 81 percent of REALTORS® said they believe curb appeal is important in attracting a buyer.”
Homeowners looking to sell are encouraged to put their money into lawn and tree care, landscape maintenance, and an irrigation/sprinkler system. Landscape and lawn care tends to pay for itself, typically with 100% of costs recovered, with irrigation at a close second with about 86% recovery (according to NAR research).
Exterior home improvements are an aesthetically and emotionally satisfying experience even for those who aren’t currently looking to sell! NAR research shows that “assigning a “Joy Score” from 1-10, with 10 being the highest level of enjoyment, both a fire feature and an irrigation system earned 10s, followed by a new wood deck or water feature (both 9.8s), statement landscaping (9.7) and an overall landscape upgrade (9.6).”