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Best landscaping projects for resale value?

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Emma_B
Joined:
30.05.2022
Posts: 1991
Topic Starter
16.03.2025 00:16
We are planning to list our house in about 18 months and want to improve our curb appeal to help with the appraisal. Our front yard currently just has a basic lawn and a few overgrown shrubs that have seen better days. I'm trying to decide if it's worth investing in professional hardscaping, like a stone walkway, or if sticking to fresh mulch, sod, and some native plantings is enough. Has anyone here had success boosting their home value through specific landscaping updates? I'd love to hear what buyers actually notice versus what's just a waste of money.
19 replies in this topic
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Iggy_R
Joined:
31.01.2022
Posts: 1211
20.03.2025 09:16
Honestly, skip the expensive hardscaping. Most buyers just want a clean, well-maintained look without needing a ton of maintenance themselves.
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Alex_K
Joined:
02.11.2023
Posts: 2104
09.04.2025 20:53
In reply to a previous post
I agree with the previous comment. For me, things looked a bit different when I sold my place last year; the stone walkway definitely caught people's eyes during showings.
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chris_1982
Joined:
25.07.2021
Posts: 1852
14.04.2025 03:13
Focus on the basics: mulch, edging, and pruning. Overgrown shrubs are a huge turn-off because they make the house look neglected.
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old_wolf
Joined:
05.01.2020
Posts: 1431
28.04.2025 19:44
In reply to a previous post
Exactly. Curb appeal is 90% about tidiness. A fresh layer of dark mulch makes everything pop immediately.
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Yani_Z
Joined:
22.04.2024
Posts: 1370
05.06.2025 09:22
Don't forget lighting! Adding some low-voltage path lights makes the house look so much more inviting in evening photos.
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agata_k
Joined:
22.10.2020
Posts: 425
16.07.2025 23:15
In reply to a previous post
Lighting is a great point, but don't overdo it. Keep it classy and subtle.
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Sophia_G
Joined:
26.06.2024
Posts: 279
27.07.2025 17:22
I’d say invest in a professional lawn aeration and overseeding if your grass is patchy. A lush green lawn is the biggest selling point for curb appeal.
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GrayMouse
Joined:
12.02.2025
Posts: 821
25.08.2025 09:00
In reply to a previous post
Is it really worth the cost of sod? I feel like that's just burning money if you're leaving in 18 months.
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Selector
Joined:
29.09.2021
Posts: 2393
11.09.2025 03:33
Native plants are the way to go. They look great and require way less water, which is a big selling point for eco-conscious buyers these days.
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Iva_R
Joined:
20.07.2021
Posts: 1414
27.11.2025 13:03
I think hardscaping is only worth it if your current walkway is actually cracked or dangerous. Otherwise, put that money into interior paint.
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Chris_K
Joined:
17.09.2021
Posts: 145
09.12.2025 16:42
In reply to a previous post
I agree with that. Buyers will notice a broken walkway, but they won't necessarily pay a premium just because you upgraded from concrete to flagstone.
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Oscar_Z
Joined:
29.03.2022
Posts: 2397
19.12.2025 08:19
Remove the overgrown shrubs for sure. Even if you don't replace them with much, just having the house 'breathe' again makes a huge difference.
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anon_user
Joined:
02.11.2020
Posts: 1019
13.01.2026 19:30
In reply to a previous post
Definitely get rid of the shrubs. My realtor told me that hiding the front windows makes the house look smaller in listing photos.
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Milos_S
Joined:
17.07.2022
Posts: 1501
21.01.2026 13:23
Does anyone have recommendations for low-maintenance perennials? I don't have much time for gardening.
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sunday_guest
Joined:
07.07.2023
Posts: 1445
24.01.2026 12:31
In reply to a previous post
Try hostas or daylilies. They are practically indestructible and fill in space really quickly.
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Kate_J
Joined:
27.05.2023
Posts: 512
30.01.2026 04:28
Don't forget to power wash the driveway and sidewalk. It’s cheap, satisfying, and makes the whole property look newer.
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GrayMouse
Joined:
11.08.2021
Posts: 1203
01.02.2026 23:12
In reply to a previous post
Power washing is the best ROI you can get. It makes a massive difference for very little effort.
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Gosh_Bolo
Joined:
12.08.2025
Posts: 282
03.02.2026 12:49
If you have a front porch, put a nice bench or some rockers out there. It helps people visualize themselves living there.
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new_here
Joined:
03.11.2020
Posts: 109
21.02.2026 02:39
In reply to a previous post
Great idea. Staging the outdoor space is just as important as the inside of the house.

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