Front Yard Tips From Carson Arthur That Can Help You Sell Your Home

First impressions always count, especially when you’re selling your home. And if you want to get an excellent offer ASAP, you’ll need to focus on curb appeal. HGTV landscape designer Carson Arthur shares how to make the best first impression on the outside of your home.

Do you want to learn more smart reno tips? Carson Arthur will be at The National Home Show this weekend. He’ll discuss how eco-conscious renovations can save you money and maximize your ROI. Watch his talk Going Green to Save Some Green with Carson Arthur on Saturday, April 16 at 12 at the HGTV Canada Main Stage.

A rustic cottage entrance with colourful flowers

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Curb Appeal

Curb appeal has never been so important as it is today. People start to assess your house based on the very first glance they get of your home. Even if you are not selling today, tomorrow or in five years, having exceptional curb appeal will ensure that you get top dollar when the time is right!

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Why Your Front Yard Matters

Even in a seller’s market, you can maximize your dollars by improving the front of your home. According to real estate experts, the first impression of your home can either enhance or reduce the perceived value of your property by up to eight percent. Why not invest a little extra in the front yard to increase your returns?

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Add a Bench

This is such a simple idea. Just by adding seating to the front yard, people visiting a home will describe it as being more welcoming and friendly. Even if no one ever sits in the bench, the concept that you created a seat just for them is well worth the money spent.

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Blend the Driveway

If your walkway is included as part of your driveway, consider using the same material to blend them together. Not only does it make the walkway seem bigger, but it also provides the illusion that more parking space is available.

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Discreetly Store Bins

Most homeowners have no choice but to place their garbage cans, recycling and compost waste bins in their front yards. Consider adding panels or creating a space under the front porch to discretely store your bins when they are not on the curb.

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A Welcoming Walkway

Be sure to have a clear access point to your home that draws your eyes straight to the front door. Having a big front walkway can provide huge returns. After all, accessibility is an essential factor for many buyers.

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Dividers Between Neighbours

Worried that your neighbour’s home will reduce the value of your house? Add cedar privacy panels to create a backdrop for your bench or garden. Even if the panels are only 5 feet tall, they visually draw the eye into your yard and away from seeing what’s going on next door.

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Plan Ahead

If you are considering improving your front yard, plan on setting your reno budget below eight percent of your home’s value. That way, you can enjoy the space for the entire time that you are in the home, and make money on it when it’s time to sell.