Tip #2 Trim Shrubbery
Shrubbery and other greenery that has an unkempt appearance can often be misconstrued
as a sign of neglect, and gives a bad impression of your house overall. Prospective
homebuyers who see shrubbery that has not been well maintained may not even
be aware of their observation, but it will have an impact on the way they view
your property as a whole.
If they do observe the unkempt shrubbery directly, they may make the assumption
that the rest of the home has not been properly maintained.
Keep bushes and shrubs neat, and well-shaped, to give the overall impression
that the entire property has been well cared for.
For that added touch, try to keep the shrubbery in line with the other greenery
and outdoor decorations that you have on your property. This will be even more
eye-pleasing from the street level, creating more interest.
Should the size of your shrubbery be such that it makes walking up to your
home a challenge, you should consider taking them out. Shrubbery that is too
large not only makes the home appear much smaller, but it also creates a hazard
where safety is concerned.
This may also make prospective buyers think of it as a hindrance because they’ll
think of it as something that will need to be taken care of; this even before
they’ve even entered your home.
It’s a very inexpensive task that you can do yourself, and it shouldn’t
take more than a couple of hours of your time to get done. If you don’t
have the time, the ability, or the inclination to trim the shrubbery, don’t
just let it go. This can only risk losing a lot of time and money in the long
run.
Instead, consider hiring a professional. This will cost approximately $35
to $45 per hour, but it will be well worth the small investment in the end.
With a bit of luck, you’ll only need to do it once before your home
is sold – a one time effort that will go a very long way.