The National Association of Realtors conducted a survey of the most desirable outdoor features homebuyers want. According to the NAR, curb appeal plays a significant role in tackling any outdoor project. Among REALTORS®, 94 percent have suggested sellers improve their curb appeal before listing a home for sale. When working with a residential seller, 99 percent of NAR members believe curb appeal is important in attracting a buyer (79 percent very important, 20 percent somewhat important). Ninety-seven percent believe curb appeal is important to a potential buyer (66 percent very important, 31 percent somewhat important).
Here is a list of the top 13 outdoor features homebuyers want (by desirability) that add value to your home when it comes time to sell it:
- Landscape Maintenance – Annual mulching, trim bushes, rake leaves & dead grass
- Landscape Upgrades – Flowering shrubs, at least 2 trees, unique sidewalk (flagstone, brick), stone features
- Standard Lawn Care Service – Regular application of fertilizer, weed control, insect control
- New Patio – Backyard area – concrete, brick or flagstone (minimum 18 x 16 feet)
- New Deck – Attached to the home (minimum 14 x 18 feet)
- Tree Care – Fertilizing, spraying, trimming and pruning (tree removal if necessary)
- Landscape Lighting – LED/Solar lights around the patio. Address of home. Landscape features such as trees, bushes or statues.
- Statement Landscape – Unique trees. Benches. Flower/herb gardens
- Irrigation Systems – Both lawn and/or bushes around the home
- Outdoor Kitchen – Inset grill, small refrigerator, countertop space
- Fire Feature – Outdoor fireplace (wood-burning or gas). Firepit.
- Water Feature – A fountain or fish pond
- New Pool – Depends on the area of the country
Do these features match up to what you want in a new home? If you liked this article then you might be interested in these top kitchen trends.