Landscaping your yard before you put it on the market could earn you big bucks.Real Estate Agents Estimate that a minimally landscaped yard could not only decrease the amount of time on the market by 15 days, but also increase the value of the Property by up to 15%.A professional landscaper could be costly, but if you are willing to roll up your sleeves and get a little dirt on your hands you will make a great return investment.

Take a Step Back:                                    

What is the buyer going to see when they drive by your home?Do you have a jungle for a flowerbed, are trees blocking the view of your home, or is your lawn dried up and withered?Ask yourself if you would buy a house that looks run down or if you would even take the time to go in and look inside.The outside of your house is a reflection of how you have maintained your home.You want it to reveal that you are a neat, well-maintained homeowner.Remove dead flowers, overgrown bushes, limbs that are blocking the view of the house.

Begin with Cleaning:

Besides picking up all yard equipment and the kid's toys, rent a power wash.A high-pressured wash will be sure to clean all dirt and stains from the driveway, sidewalk, and siding.Rake all the leaves, clean out the gutters and remove all yard ornaments that might only appeal to your particular taste.

Get the Out-Dated Shrubbery Out of There:

If you are trying to up-date a "not so new home," get rid of the dated landscaping.Squared-off boxwood, rounded junipers, holly bushes and topiary shrubs are a throwback to the 1960's and 1970's.Make your landscaping look natural with a variety of native foliage.

Keep it Simple; Keep it Green:

Buyer's don't want a high maintance yard that they will have to try to keep up with.Keep it simple by planting easily maintained flowers and plants.Edge the yard and keep the lawn mowed.Keeping the lawn green by watering and fertilizing will draw the buyer to your Property.

Bring in a Splash of Color:

Color in the yard sells.Talk to a local nursery professional to learn what type of foliage grows in your area.Marigolds, petunias, impatiens are great annuals that will spread quickly while adding great color to flowerbeds.Plant a variety of colors and sizes to provide an interesting palate.Make your house stand out above the rest of the neighborhood.

Landscaping your home may take a little time and a little money, but will provide a great return that will be well worth the efforts.If your home looks well maintained from the street buyers will be sure to take that first step through the front door.