Gardens: Do They Add Value?

I am often asked if a garden adds value to a property. That was the poll question last week and I will let you know how you readers responded to that question shortly. My answer to that question is, indirectly, but it depends. Before you delete this blog, let me explain.  

I have often discussed the importance of curb appeal in the past, and my suggestions of ways to improve the curb appeal of your home have included the importance of landscaping and adding color. The use of flower gardens is an effective way to accomplish that, but to a point. 

Much like shelves and table tops for example, you may have a massive collection of some sort of beautiful collectables and want to show them all off, but your home will show much better if you choose just a few (depending on the size) to display on each shelf. If you are going to add flower beds, think small with just a splash of color and consider using individual pots to plant in instead of creating flower beds in the yard. 

Two years ago, I was working with one of my clients who at the time was a young single guy. Of the homes that were available to purchase then, the one he liked the most just happened to have the most beautiful and extensive flower beds of any property I had seen in years. There were flower beds completely around three sides of the house, only because the driveway was on the fourth side, along the fence that bordered the entire back yard, around the detached garage, and also around some of the trees. It would have been a master gardener’s dream home, but all my client saw was work! He would much rather mow grass than care for all those flowers.   

This applies to most everything on the property while you are marketing your home for sale. What may have been a joy and accomplishment for you to create, may likely be a turn-off to the average buyer. My best advice for someone selling their home is to understand that you no longer live there and you need to make it attractive for as much of the masses as possible. The things that brought you joy and comfort while living there most likely should be packed away for the move.  

Our readers were nearly split on this question, with 45% saying yes, a garden does add value, and 55% saying no, it does not add value. So, this means that collectively you were correct. Congratulations!

Norwalk IA Real Estate – Jon Niemeyer, Broker/Owner/REALTOR® at EXIT Realty North Star. I list and sell real estate in Central Iowa including Norwalk, Des Moines, West Des Moines, Cumming, Indianola, Carlisle, Waukee, Urbandale, Grimes, Clive, Johnston, Ankeny, Altoona, and Pleasant Hill in the Counties of Warren, Polk, Dallas, and Madison. Call Jon Niemeyer at 515-490-4675.