Sell Your Portland Home: Landscaping Tips

Spring is here, the perfect time to make some improvements to your property to boost your curb appeal to Portland home buyers. A well maintained outdoor area speaks volumes to potential buyers about the quality of the home and the neighborhood they’re investing in. If you’re even considering putting your home on the market this year, start now to save yourself time and money in getting your landscaping up to snuff.

Here in Portland, Oregon, we’re known for our luxurious outdoor spaces. It’s not hard to establish one for your listing even if you only have a few months. Shop early for good deals on small trees and shrubs that will add dimension and character to your landscape. Look for native plants (ask at your local nursery), which will thrive and look attractive with minimal maintenance. Most will need to be planted within the next few weeks to be well established before the summer.

As our wonderful Oregon “liquid sunshine” eases up in the coming weeks, be sure to reseed your lawn to establish healthy growth that will continue through the hot months. Also, plant flower seeds now to save money on established plants later in the season.

If you’re like many Portland residents and have already established a landscape around your home, be sure it is well maintained before you list it for sale. Usually this is simply a matter of pruning trees and bushes – especially along walkways and near the windows and roof. Keep your lawn mowed and use an edger for an extra neat appearance. This time of year, weeds that have already come up should be pulled before they have a chance to take over. Mulch where possible to prevent their recurrence. In fact, mulch is generally more attractive than dirt so apply liberally.

Many Portland home buyers will want to take advantage of our great climate for planting a flower or vegetable garden. Adding a couple of raised beds will increase the value of your landscape without breaking the bank. Use untreated cedar or redwood lumber, which will not rot or warp over time.

For high traffic areas, create attractive pathways using bark mulch, gravel or paving stones. Lay a ground cloth under mulch or gravel paths to keep weeds from retaking the area. These projects can be completed over the weekend with a run to your local home improvement or gardening store, and will pay off when it comes time to sell your Portland home.

If you’re anticipating home showings in the very near future, there is still you much you can do to improve your landscaping to add value to your property. Think about dressing up outdoor areas just as you would indoor ones. Plant a few flowers along the walk, remove any dead leaves or plants left over from fall, and pull those weeds. Remember, the outside of your home is the first thing buyers see, and making sure it looks its best will go a long way toward closing the sale.

Not sure what your landscape needs to appeal to buyers? Ask your Portland Realtor.