Will They Dig It How to Keep Your Perfect Landscaping From Scaring Off Buyers By Wendy Helfenbaum Sep 11

For many buyers, a beautifully landscaped yard with show-stopping curb appeal can seal the deal.  As it turns out, there are indeed some buyers who might take one look at your sprawling outdoor oasis and think, “It will take a ton of work to maintain all of this!”

Many home buyers looking for yards that don’t require a lot of maintenance, a lot of younger, first-time buyers don’t want to be home all day gardening or dealing with the lawn.

You want your yard to say, “Sit down, have a cold beverage and relax,” rather than, “Please weed me.”  Make sure trees and shrubs are trimmed.  Divide overgrown plants, so your garden looks neat instead of needing attention. And lose the whimsical gnome statues, tacky lawn ornaments, and noisy wind chimes in your garden that won’t let buyers imagine themselves in that space.

Maybe you do have lush landscaping—but perhaps you’ve also figured out an efficient way to take care of it. If so, point this out to buyers. For example, noting that the large flower bed consists of easy-care plants and an in-ground irrigation system tells buyers that they won’t have much to do—and ends up being a perk.

For more tips on presenting your yard go to bmre.us/hint4.