When you sell your home, one of the catch phrases you’ll hear is “curb appeal”. Your home’s exterior and landscaping represent the “first impression” for potential buyers. But curb appeal done right has more benefits than you think.

Prevent costly repairs

Carefully planned landscaping and gutter solutions will save you time and money in costly home repairs. If you're dealing with existing landscaping, you may need to do some trimming or moving of greenery to get better results.

• Keep dirt and shrubs at least 3 feet from the edge of the foundation. This will help keep pests from using dirt as a highway to your siding (put down weed barrier and rocks by the foundation). You’ll also have room for ladders, window washing and painting as necessary. Keep in mind the full size of what you’re planting to maintain that 3-foot space. That will also help plants to receive light on the back side as well as the front. Keeping greenery off the siding will eliminate trouble from moisture.
• Put plantings all around the foundation, gently sloping away from the house. From the 3-foot mark, their roots will catch roof runoff and help draw water away from the foundation and your basement. This will go a long way to prevent flooding and mold damage.
• Cover your gutters. Covers keep leaves from collecting and clogging the gutters. If you live on a golf course, this will help keep those pesky stray balls from clogging the gutters. Rain chains are an attractive and effective replacement for downspouts — you can collect the water in a pot or redirect the water at the bottom with flexible or buried pipe.
• Plant trees a safe distance from the foundation. Consult an arborist if you’re thinking about planting a tree. Depending on its root system, you’ll need to plan where in your yard it will thrive. But a general rule of thumb is to place distance from the house based on the tree’s mature height:

SOURCE: TreeTime

Keep an eye on caulk around windows and doors, plus the expansion joints between concrete and the house, to keep water and pests at bay.

Deter Criminals

Overgrown landscaping creates hiding spots for criminals. If your neighbors can’t see your windows, chances are they can’t see a burglar.

• Trim or plant hedges and bushes 3 feet or shorter.
• Trim tree limbs away from upper windows. Keep burglars out and teenagers in!
• Be strategic to place lighting so all entrances are visible. Attractive stake lighting on walkways and around plantings is welcoming to guests but turns away criminals. Use timers and motion sensors to make sure lights go on and off, even when you’re away.
• Gravel around your windows has a loud “crunch” factor.
• Prickly plants like roses and succulents provide beauty and a natural deterrent in front of windows.

Save energy

Well-placed trees around the house can reduce heating and cooling bills.

• Shade trees create a shield from the sun and the wind. The Arbor Day Foundation suggests planting on the east, west and northwest of your property to provide summer shade.
• Prune lower branches to keep windows and views open.
• Prune any branches that block solar panels.
• Also plant to provide shade to driveways and air conditioning units.

Create a sense of community

Creating good curb appeal lends itself to pride in ownership. And pride in ownership leads to pride in neighborhood.

• Create relationships. Let’s face it. We’re busy. Sometimes the only way you see your neighbors is when you’re out working in your yard. Use it as time to get to know your neighbors. They’re a valuable asset for safety, help and fun. If you don’t have a front porch, make a small sitting area in your front yard to encourage interaction.
• Improve the neighborhood’s value. Working on your home’s curb appeal shows your neighbors your care about your property – and keeping up the property values for them.
• Inspire neighbors. Have you ever noticed that when one guy mows and trims his lawn, everyone else suddenly feels pressure to mow? As you work on your yard or make improvements to the exterior, it starts a ripple effect in the neighborhood.

Create value

A well-maintained lawn and house exterior creates an immediate perceived value. When it comes time to sell or refinance, you’re going to need some great curb appeal.

• From refinance appraisals to drive-by comparisons, you want your house to look well kept.
• Fresh, inviting paint color on the front door and seasonally-appealing front step décor welcomes guests and buyers alike.
• As buyers see you’ve maintained landscaping and exterior, that mindset of a well-kept home will translate to the home’s interior spaces.

Ready to boost your curb appeal to sell? Save thousands  when you list your home with Redefy! Check out how much you can save. This article and more are found on the Redefy blog!