When you are moving home there are so many things to think about. Have you completed all those DIY jobs that needed to be done? Is the house tidy? Is the decorating up to scratch? Making sure your property looks fantastic is super important, but it’s easy to neglect one crucial area of your home – the garden.
Your garden is probably one of the first parts of the house prospective buyers will see and a messy garden with an unkempt lawn and weeds is likely to set a bad first impression.
But how do you make sure your garden is in tip top shape?
Well, you’re in luck because we’re here to help. Here are some of our favourite tips to ensure that your garden looks amazing and doesn’t put off buyers.
Tip 1: Mow that lawn
If you have a lawn make sure it is neat and mowed regularly. Be mindful of how high to cut the grass as it can impact on the health of your lawn. Nothing says messy more than unkempt grass full of weeds. While mowing, take a look at the hedge too. Make sure it is also neat and tidy.
Tip 2: Add some garden lights
Add some light to your garden. Lights are not only attractive but they will make it far easier to see the surrounding plants and features in low light. If you really want to push the boat out, put some solar panelled lights around your garden that come on automatically when the light hits a certain level. You could even add motion sensor activated ones that turn on as people walk around.
Tip 3: Sort out your shed and/or garage
Old woodworm ridden sheds speak of neglect more than any other items in your garden. If your shed is falling apart, maybe the house is too? At least that’s what the buyers may think. Clean up any sheds, garages, or outbuildings in your garden. If paint is flaking, give them another coat. If wood is rotten, see if it can be treated or replaced. If glass is smashed, replace it. If the building is completely derelict, think about knocking it down altogether.
Tip 4: Take out the bins
Nobody likes bins. They smell and look pretty disgusting. No prospective buyer is going to want to see them. Think about where they can be put so they are out of sight. A bin storage solution are ideal give the area a better look.
Tip 5: Fancy up garden furniture
If your garden has garden furniture in it, think about what you can do to make it look amazing. Do you have a table in your garden? If so, think about putting things like wine bottles and glasses on it, or even a candle to add ambience and style. If you have chairs, think about putting covers or cushions on them. Think outside the box and bring a little beauty to your garden.
Tip 6: Clean surfaces (with a jet wash if you have one)
It’s very easy for all surfaces in a garden to become clogged with mould or dirt. Paving, steps, decking, and driveways are the biggest culprits. Giving them a thorough clean will get them back to their original sparkle. If you have a jet wash, blast the surfaces and you’ll find the job a far easier task.
Tip 7: Clean your house number (or name)
Like driveways, patios, and decking, your house number can easily pick up dirt or mould. While you may think this adds character to your property, your buyers may not. Give it a good clean until the numbers are both visible and really shine.
One last thing
If you’re in the process of selling your house, I hope our little guide will help ensure your garden is a selling point that doesn’t leave a negative impression with buyers. As a final tip, make sure you run your eyes over the garden just before the buyers arrive. It doesn’t take long for issues to raise their heads again and one last glance round will give you a chance to sort them out.
Author
James