A well-designed property has the potential to raise your home’s value by as much as from 5.5% to 12.7% higher, or even more. Even a modest investment in landscaping could one day put tens of thousands of dollars in your pocket. As Calgary’s real estate market continues to boom, many are working to figure out how to get top dollar for their homes so they can continue to build towards the lifetime of their dreams.
A study done by the Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals shows that the average Canadian owns from 4.5 to 5.5 homes in their lifetime. This means that when you are making choices about your landscape design, you should also be thinking about what the person you may be selling your home to will like as well. As professional commercial and residential landscape design, construction, and maintenance professionals, the experienced team at Mirage has the skills and knowledge necessary to answer your landscaping questions. We know of the best landscape design features that stand the test of time and are universally loved by both current residents and potential buyers, as well as those that may have the unintended effect of actually lowering your property’s value.
Landscape design features that can boost your home’s value
If you already have a couple of these landscape design features in your yard, you are ahead of the game when it comes to selling. Adding a few more low-cost choices can help your home stand out from the rest.
- Underground irrigation systems are an advanced feature that makes your home more attractive to buyers, given their convenience and ease of use. Beyond helping keep your lawn looking its best during the warm-weather months, built-in sprinkler systems also help you save water by using a highly targeted technique to deliver moisture to key areas.
- A beautiful front yard can make a major impact in your neighbourhood and clearly states that you care for your property and your home. Install wide and accessible walkways that are easy to keep clean of snow and ice, a little seating area, and garden areas full of life and colour.
- Freshen up your beds with a new layer of mulch, which can make your yard look like it’s just been freshly planted. Homebuyers will also appreciate how mulch can help keep weeds down and reduce the amount of water needed to maintain your shrubs, trees, and perennials.
- An outdoor living area where people can gather throughout the summer months is nearly a must-have for Calgarians as they make the most of any space they have.
- A brand-new fence is something buyers like to see as it signals a job they shouldn’t have to worry about for several more years. A well-constructed fence can provide privacy, improve a home’s security, and be visually appealing all at the same time.
- If you don’t already have a selection of annuals and perennials in your yard, consider adding pots full of blooms to set off the very best features of your yard and spark the imagination of your potential buyer.
Landscape design features that can lower your home’s value
First and foremost, if your property looks unkempt and hard to maintain, it will lose its so-called “curb appeal” for potential buyers. It should go without saying, but if you are in the market to sell your home you need to make sure your property is neat, clean, and weed-free.
- Sloped yards can be a turn-off for a buyer, especially those with small children looking for safety. Retaining walls can be used to “flatten out” properties as well as provide stability, prevent soil erosion, and create more usable space. Their appearance can easily be customized to complement your property’s existing landscape elements in a prime example of beautiful form meeting practical function.
- Trees provide shade, shelter, and dimension to a yard, but too many of them can be a warning sign. Buyers may worry about maintenance and upkeep, and also be concerned about the hazards of falling branches. You may wish to have your trees professionally trimmed and even a couple removed if they could be seen as a potential risk.
- A yard that has been mainly paved over with walkways and patios providing very little green space is often not high on a homebuyer’s wish list. Consider adding some softscaping to break up the monotony and add some green visual appeal.
- A dark and dimly lit yard is not very welcoming at night, and can also invite burglars to skulk around your property. There are several options for temporary outdoor lighting that don’t cost a lot and will make your property much more inviting … and safe.
- Poor drainage sets the impression that there may be serious problems with your property that go far beyond puddles in your yard. Addressing poor drainage can range from a simple fix to remove a blockage to a total lot re-grading to ensure moisture is moving away from your property and into the city’s sewer systems as it should.
Calgary Landscaping: Mirage Delivers Fantastic Customer Service and Outstanding Value
For three generations, the family-run Mirage Landscaping has been delivering excellent value to homeowners in the southeast Calgary area. We take great pride in our work and always strive to do the best job possible, and we’re also mindful of keeping customer costs as low as possible. We recognize that many homeowners are working with limited budgets, and thanks to careful planning and hard work, we can help you get the most out of your landscaping investment. Visit us today to get a fast, free service consultation and quote.
