This article is based off an article written by The Wall Street Journal.
In today’s real-estate market, homeowners face a hard question: Which home improvements deliver the best return on investment? According to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, simple yet strategic upgrades—particularly outdoors—can yield remarkable rewards.
A National Association of Realtors survey from 2023 found that sellers recoup 217% of the cost of lawn care, 104% of the cost of landscape maintenance, and 100% of the cost of overall landscape upgrades. A homeowner can actually profit from investing in a well-designed, expertly maintained outdoor space.
This might come as no surprise to gardening enthusiasts. After all, an inviting exterior sets the stage for every other element of the home. Whether it’s the vibrant greenery that greets guests at the doorstep, or the manicured lawn that beckons you to lounge outside on a summer day, outdoor spaces represent the first impression—and a lasting one.
“Minor exterior work is some of the most likely to pay off. It makes the house look nicer in listing photos and brings potential buyers through the door,” notes The Wall Street Journal, reflecting the consensus among leading real-estate professionals.
Where to Begin: Maximizing Your Return
- Lawn Care: If your lawn isn’t lush, or if bare patches mar its appeal, consider professional turf care with our team. As the recent data shows, quality lawn care can more than double your investment when it’s time to sell.
- Landscape Maintenance: Think beyond the grass. Well-maintained trees, neatly trimmed hedges, and thoughtfully placed plantings can instantly elevate curb appeal and ensure the health of your landscape. Even a small investment in seasonal cleanups and pruning can yield big returns.
- Targeted Upgrades: Sometimes, a simple addition—like fresh mulch, bold seasonal color, or updated pathways—can make all the difference. A beautifully framed walkway, for instance, not only guides visitors but also hints at the considered design within.
Why It Matters More Than Ever
Homeowners are keenly aware that renovations can be expensive, and the cost of materials continues to trend upward. But as The Wall Street Journal article emphasizes, major renovations—like gutting a kitchen or adding a new bathroom—don’t always align with every buyer’s personal aesthetic, nor do they guarantee a high return on investment. By contrast, thoughtful exterior enhancements often yield immediate impact and much lower risk.
“Sellers should avoid trying to become a general contractor,” the article quotes Scott Harris of Brown Harris Stevens in New York. Leaving large-scale construction projects indoors for the next owner can sometimes be the more prudent choice, while trying to make the most impact with your outdoors.
When it comes to creating a striking outdoor space, subtlety can be more compelling than a massive overhaul. Fresh landscaping, regular lawn maintenance, and updated exterior elements (like a new patio or entertaining space) are the kinds of upgrades that Architectural Digest devotees and top real-estate agents alike praise for both style and substance.
The Bottom Line: Every Dollar Counts
There is something undeniably luxurious about pulling into a beautifully landscaped property—one that melds seamlessly with the surrounding architecture, and feels like an effortless extension of the home’s interior elegance. Now more than ever, the data shows it can be a savvy financial move, too.
How can you achieve a thoughtfully planned landscape? That’s where Terren is renowned on the Main Line suburbs of Philadelphia. With our 40 years of designing, building, and maintaining delicate and gorgeous estates, Terren Landscapes has become a leader amongst of the Main Line towns from Malvern, to Bryn Mawr, to Gladwyne and Chestnut Hill, and is continuing to grow it’s reach to areas such as the beach towns of New Jersey: Longport, Stone Harbor, Margate, and Avalon.
As you consider which projects to prioritize, remember these words from The Wall Street Journal: outdoor changes can reap substantial rewards. With landscaping, each dollar spent is not just beautifying your home—it’s actively increasing its future value. Terren Landscapes is here to design, build, and maintain your beautiful outdoors and help you make your investment with confidence and trust.
