Focus — Business Issues Special Feature
≥ultivating Home Value through Thoughtful ◊andscaping What can landscape improvements mean in efforts to reap higher residential returns? Some industry watchers – and participants – offer thoughts. by Barbara Dutton
A new roof or chic kitchen expansion
might come to mind as improvements homeowners could make in looking for greater payback when selling a house. But what value can landscaping enhancements bring in increasing the worth of a residential property? A homeowner can expect a return on investment (ROI) from an upgraded walkway, attractive plantings, or installation of a stone patio, suggest observers of residential landscaping trends. An attractive yard is part of the positive package a potential homebuyer notices, and which an eager home seller should look to present – with efforts displaying attentive care overarching. “If landscaping is properly maintained, the impact on home values can be positive,” declares M. Lance Coyle, MAI, SRA, president of the Appraisal Institute, Chicago, in a 2015 announcement made by the national association of real estate appraisers. “Curb appeal” can be an important factor when selling a home, notes Coyle, who indicates that it’s a key factor for property owners in presenting a positive initial impression. The concept of curb appeal is one echoed by landscaping and appraisal professionals alike, who express that, at very least, a property up for sale should look cared for. “I have clients call with the intent purpose of improving curb appeal,” reports Bob Hursthouse, president of Hursthouse Landscape Contractors and Architects, Bolingbrook, Ill., who cites “simple things, like proper pruning, flower pots, and a freshening up to give a home a facelift.” As a residential landscape’s “number one feature” is the lawn, declares Michael Schmechtig, president of Schmechtig Landscape Co., Mundelein, Ill., “It should be lush, green and weed free to make a good first impression.”
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Less, or more, is more
Attention to care, according to landscape professional Barb Rosborough, co-owner of Rosborough Partners, Libertyville, Ill., helps people form a positive first impression of a property. “Before they walk in the door they will think, ‘this is a wellcared-for house,’” she says, noting that subtraction rather than addition can achieve a kempt appearance. “Sometimes removal is necessary to get the best look,” explains Rosborough. “Get rid of the big plants that are unruly.” Concurs Dan Wanzung, partner/landscape architect at American Gardens, Elmhurst, Ill., who says, “Sometimes less is more,” and that cleaning up an overgrown landscape can serve to “redefine” a property. He compares eliminating a negative landscape feature to taking out an avocado sink in an outdated bathroom that detracts. “A homeowner might, for example, remove a pond that’s not in the best shape or may be viewed by a parent as a maintenance or safety concern, or exchange a large perennial garden for simplified beds.” Using landscaping to create a buffer or eliminate an unsightly view is another technique to be considered. As an example, cites residential real estate appraiser Sharon Bagby, SRA, Bagby & Associates, Crystal Lake, Ill., “If a property backs up to a busy road, trees can provide privacy.” Landscaping, she says, can also protect against wind, snow, sun or erosion. Similarly, a deficiency in landscaping can influence how an appraiser or a house hunter determines a home’s worth. “Repairing a walk that has settled, addressing drainage issues, and improving weak lawns are important,” says Schmechtig, who emphasizes that attending to problems is a priority for improving a property’s stature. (continued on page 18)
The Landscape Contractor November 2015