When it comes to selling your home, there’s no doubt that first impressions matter. The exterior of your property, including the garden, plays a vital role in attracting potential buyers. We might still be in winter, but now is the perfect time to prepare your garden and enhance its appeal, ready for a spring sale.
If you’ve been considering putting your home on the market after winter, there are a few steps to take to get your garden ready for market. With a few months to prepare, you can ensure it becomes just one of the many standout features of your home to help it sell quickly and at a more desirable price.
Let’s get your Lilyfield home spring sale ready.
Clean and declutter
Much like inside your home, if it’s been a while since you did anything with your garden, there’s a chance it needs a good clean up. Before you dive into any major garden improvements, start by thoroughly cleaning and decluttering the space.
Remove any fallen leaves, branches, or debris, and clear out any garden tools, toys or unnecessary items.
A neat and tidy garden instantly gives the impression of a well-maintained property.
Pruning, trimming, and lawn maintenance
With how busy our lives are at the moment, it is very normal for regular garden maintenance to have been pushed aside in favour of spending time with family and friends. But if you are considering selling, it’s time to start putting aside time for those regular tasks ‒ and getting outside is always good for you.
Pruning and trimming your plants and trees is essential for your garden to look neat and organised. Trim overgrown shrubs, bushes, and hedges, ensuring they are well-shaped and not blocking any windows or walkways. Remove dead branches and flowers, and prune any unruly plants.
For larger trees, it’s best to engage an experienced arborist who can remove or trim back branches and trees without damaging your property or the trees. You may need permission from the Inner West Council before you prune your trees.
Decluttering and tidying your garden will help give your home a fresh and well-groomed look.
A well-maintained lawn is an essential aspect of a desirable garden and there are three ways to get your lawn looking its best:
- Mowing and edging: Mow your lawn regularly to keep it at a suitable height, and be sure to edge around sidewalks and driveways for a polished look.
- Weed control: Remove weeds from the lawn and garden beds to create a clean and manicured appearance. If weeds are a big issue, use a ‘weed and feed’ product.
- Fertilising: Consider applying a spring-specific fertiliser to promote healthy and lush green grass. Remember that nitrogen will make your lawn grow faster but potassium-based fertilisers will give lushness.
If gardening isn’t your thing, or your garden is a little too far out of control, think about engaging a gardener to do the hard yards.
Enhance kerb appeal
When it comes to photography and marketing, it’s all about the kerb appeal. Many potential buyers may walk or drive past your home before they schedule an inspection, and a home that looks inviting from the street will always be a winner.
There are three main areas to focus on when looking to enhance the kerb appeal for a spring sale in Lilyfield:
- Add colour: Plant vibrant and seasonal flowers to add a pop of colour. Choose a variety of flowers that bloom at different times throughout spring to create a continuous display of beauty.
- Mulching: Apply a fresh layer of mulch to garden beds and around trees. Mulch not only helps retain moisture and suppresses weed growth but also gives your garden a polished and professional look.
- Define borders: Clearly define garden borders by edging flower beds and pathways. This simple step creates clean lines and adds a touch of sophistication to your garden.
Appeal to buyers’ imaginations: vegetable and herb garden
One of the key areas we like to explore is helping buyers fall in love with your home and garden and imagining themselves living there. Remember that you aren’t restricted to traditional garden beds or even planting flowers. Whether you have more room at the front of your home or in the back, consider finding space for a vegetable and herb garden or adding some fruit trees?
In our temperate Sydney climate, you can consider planting rhubarb, asparagus, broad beans, sugar snap peas, broccoli, cabbage and Asian greens. Hardier herbs like rosemary and sage make great shrubs; closer to spring you can plant other herbs like basil, parsley and coriander as well as chives. If you plant mint, make sure it’s in a pot as mint can easily run through your garden and undo all your hard work.
Outdoor hard surfaces: preparation for sale
If you have a deck or verandah on your home, you should also sweep and power wash patios, decks and other hardscape surfaces to remove dirt and grime. Make sure they are in good condition and repair any cracks or loose boards. For the backyard and entertaining areas, arrange outdoor furniture or create a cosy seating area. If you have an outdoor dining table, set it for photography and open-for-inspection days so buyers can imagine themselves enjoying your garden. Install outdoor lighting to highlight key features of your garden, such as pathways or trees. Well-placed lighting can create a magical ambience and extend the usability of the outdoor space.
Preparing your garden to sell your home in spring is an investment that can yield great returns. A well-maintained garden portrays a sense of pride and care, making your home more attractive and increasing its overall value. With a garden in full bloom, your property will stand out in the competitive Sydney real estate market, allowing you to sell your home quickly and at a desirable price.
Can we help with your Inner West home?
Whether you’re ready to sell or need help to rent your investment property, we have the experience and local knowledge to make your property journey easier.
Looking for help selling your home or renting your investment property? Our team at Belle Property Balmain support homeowners across Balmain, Balmain East, Birchgrove, Rozelle and Lilyfield. Feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation discussion or property appraisal.
