Creating an exciting first impression for buyers when they visit your home is one of the most important elements of preparation when selling.
As an experienced agent in your neighborhood, I’ve known buyers to turn straight around at the first sight of an unkempt property that they’d traveled across town to view.
Those moments are expensive, missed opportunities and only serve to hurt you, the seller.
Before putting your home on the market, it’s a great idea to talk to an agent about potential improvements that will have the biggest impact on buyers.
Quality agents will focus on the front of the property. They’ll point out whether the garden needs some TLC, or cracks in the garden path or driveway that should be fixed. They may even suggest you repaint the front of the home or, maybe, just the garage door.
An inexpensive solution is to add pot plants near the front door or on your porch, as these soften the appearance of the property to give it additional appeal. These five plants are favorites.
Agapanthus
For a high-value, high-impact explosion of color, it’s hard to go past agapanthus. They have a base of thick green leaves from which comes a long stem with stunning blue or white bloom at its end. Arrange them to frame a doorway for the greatest impact.
Lavender
Herbs are an ideal option for smaller-scale porches. One of them, lavender, can be a stunning addition offering beautiful purples and silver through summer and fall.
Fuchsias
Two-tone blooms of magenta and pink can have an excellent impact on potential buyers as they approach your front door. Fuchsias are fragrant, too, which adds to the experience.
Boxwood
If you’re seeking a classic look, the intense evergreen foliage of a boxwood shrub is a fine evergreen choice. In planter boxes, they can frame the edges of your porch. Alternatively, plant them in flower beds to line a garden path. Don’t skimp on quality potting mix when planting boxwood.
Fruit trees
Beautifully-shaped fruit trees give your home a touch of class and highlight the value of the porch as an area to sit and enjoy. Excellent choices will include lemon, orange, fig or apple trees in pots.