How To Make Money on Your Home in a Down Market: Landscaping

Prior to becoming a life coach, I was in the mortgage business for 15 years. We've never seen a market like the one today. Some of us in the business were not surprised with the downturn. For years I thought we were selling products that were too risky, collateralized by property, in some areas, that was overpriced. With declining values, a seller in today's market wants to make as much profit as possible.

Before you list your house for sale, there are certain things you need to do to make it more presentable to prospective buyers. The three areas you need to look at are landscaping, the exterior and the interior. This article highlights landscaping issues, though there is some overlap in the three. The next two articles will focus on the exterior and interior.

First impressions are everything. If the first thing the buyer sees is an unattractive yard, they are likely to keep driving. An afternoon of your time can make the difference between a looker and a buyer.

1. The grass should be cut and neatly trimmed. During the warm months of the year, it should be green and weed-free. In winter, the leaves should be raked.
2. Driveways tend to hold grease and dirt. This gives the outside of the house an unattractive appearance. Concrete cleaners or even Clorox poured directly on the cement should remove most of the stains. Dirt or gravel driveways should also be clean and without potholes. Grass needs to be trimmed on all sides.
3. The sidewalk leading to the house should be accessible. Make sure the kids keep their toys in the back and remove excess outdoor furniture. The sidewalk and any flower beds need to be clean. Pull weeds and extra growth. Flowers in bloom always make an entrance more attractive.
4. Now is the time to dig up that dying shrub or to replace mulch or stone as needed. This may be difficult to do in the winter, but you want your yard to look attractive and alive.
5. Shrubs should be neatly trimmed and, in most situations, should not block doors or windows. Mulch is sometimes smelly. Use a product that does not contain manure.
6. Make sure the outside light fixtures are working, especially at the front door. If there is a porch or entryway, it should be accessible. If this is the smoking area, you might want to consider finding another spot to smoke.
7. Replace any broken window panes or screens.
8. Repair fence if needed.
9. Spray pest killer around the house and in the flower beds, especially if you have pets. One flea could prevent you from selling your house.
10. Animals should be contained when someone comes to look. Any animal feces should be picked up, especially in the front yard.
11. More is not better when it comes to outside ornaments. Pack up anything you are going to take and throw away items you do not want, so your yard doesn't look like it is decorated for a parade. Christmas would be an exception.
12. It is more difficult to maintain an attractive yard during the winter months. Even if everything appears to be dead, it should be neat and clean. Make sure snow is shoveled from the driveway and sidewalk.

As a person who moves frequently, I have bought and sold many houses. It's not always fun, but it can be profitable. I have done all of the above each time I put a house on the market. Three months ago, I listed the house I currently live in. After being in my home and looking around for a few minutes, the real estate agent said, "We need to add $5000 more to the sales price because the property is so clean and in such good shape." It does pay to prepare your house before listing it for sale.