Spring Landscaping Tips for Home Value

I recently searched Reddit for how to remove rock hardscapes from a yard. My two favorite insights from the responses were 1. Put it on Craigslist for removal and 2. said something like all it takes is time, a shovel and lots of self-loathing.

As winter fades and warmer days arrive, spring presents the perfect opportunity for homeowners to rejuvenate their outdoor spaces. Thoughtful landscaping not only enhances your home's aesthetic appeal but can also increase its market value. Whether you're preparing to sell or simply want to enjoy a more inviting yard, these spring landscaping tips will set you on the right path. I promise these helpful tips are pretty light on the self-loathing.

1. Start with a Thorough Cleanup

Begin by removing debris such as fallen leaves, dead branches, and any leftover winter mulch. Prune dead or damaged limbs from trees and shrubs to promote healthy growth. Clearing out weeds early prevents them from taking over your garden beds later in the season. Supreme Lending Blog+2Better Homes & Gardens+2horizonlandscapeinc.com+2marylandrealestateadvantage.com+2horizonlandscapeinc.com+2Better Homes & Gardens+2

2. Revitalize Your Lawn

A lush, green lawn is a cornerstone of curb appeal. Rake to remove thatch, aerate compacted soil to improve water and nutrient absorption, and overseed bare patches to encourage uniform growth. Applying a balanced spring fertilizer can jumpstart your lawn's recovery from winter dormancy. horizonlandscapeinc.com

3. Refresh Mulch and Garden Beds

Applying a fresh layer of mulch not only gives your garden beds a polished look but also helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Aim for a 2-3 inch layer, being careful not to pile mulch against plant stems. Edging your garden beds creates clean lines that enhance the overall appearance of your landscape. Better Homes & Gardenshorizonlandscapeinc.com

4. Incorporate Native and Drought-Tolerant Plants

Selecting plants that are native to your region ensures they are well-adapted to local climate conditions, requiring less water and maintenance. Drought-tolerant options like coneflowers, lavender, and yarrow add beauty while conserving water. lan-design.net+2aaflandscaping.com+2horizonlandscapeinc.com+2Real Simple+1horizonlandscapeinc.com+1

5. Add Color with Easy-to-Grow Flowering Shrubs

Introduce vibrant hues to your landscape with low-maintenance flowering shrubs such as crape myrtle, panicle hydrangea, and serviceberry. These plants provide long-lasting blooms and can thrive with minimal care, making them ideal for busy homeowners. Real Simple

6. Enhance Outdoor Living Spaces

Consider adding or updating outdoor features like patios, walkways, or seating areas to create inviting spaces for relaxation and entertainment. Incorporating elements such as pergolas or fire pits can extend the usability of your yard into the evening hours.

7. Implement Eco-Friendly Landscaping Practices

Embrace sustainable landscaping by installing rain gardens, using permeable paving materials, and reducing lawn areas in favor of native plantings. These practices not only benefit the environment but can also reduce long-term maintenance costs.

By taking proactive steps this spring, you can transform your yard into a beautiful, functional space that enhances your home's appeal and value. Whether you're tackling the project yourself or consulting with landscaping professionals, these tips provide a solid foundation for a successful spring makeover.

Have any suggestions that you would add to the list?

Appraisers vs. Home Inspectors: Clearing Up the Confusion This Holiday Season

As the holiday party season (aka "small talk" season) approaches, I often encounter a common misunderstanding: many people think real estate appraisers and home inspectors are the same or perform similar work.

It’s an easy mistake to make, especially since appraisers sometimes refer to our visits to a property as an "inspection" or "appraisal inspection." However, the best way to clarify the distinction is to focus on the purpose of the visit. While both involve assessing a property, their objectives are entirely different:

• An appraisal determines the fair market value of a property for a lender, client, or other stakeholder.

• A home inspection, on the other hand, evaluates the physical condition of the property to inform the buyer of any potential issues or repairs needed.

What Does an Appraiser Do?

Not everyone at a holiday gathering will be familiar with the real estate appraisal process, and that’s okay—it’s not exactly casual dinner table conversation! Simply put, an appraiser’s job is to provide an unbiased estimate of a property’s value. This valuation is typically done for a lender in real estate transactions and follows strict standards outlined by the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) to ensure fairness and consistency.

What Is an "Appraisal Inspection"?

When appraisers refer to an "inspection," we’re not talking about checking for leaky pipes or roof damage. Instead, we’re collecting and verifying data to create an accurate appraisal report. This process may involve:

• A walkthrough inspection of the property.

• Researching public records, such as MLS (Multiple Listing Service) or county assessor data.

• Conducting a drive-by inspection (exterior-only appraisal).

To determine the market value of a property, appraisers evaluate various factors, such as:

• The overall condition of the home.

• The home’s square footage.

• The number of bedrooms and bathrooms.

• Storage space availability.

• The lot size.

• Comparable sales (comps) and the current state of the real estate market.

It’s worth noting that much of what we call an "inspection" is often a verification of data already available from other sources. For example:

• Measuring the home to confirm that the square footage matches what’s listed in MLS records or by the county assessor.

• Verifying whether a property listed as "new construction" is truly in that condition, or if it’s been occupied and now falls under "lived-in" status.

This verification ensures that the data used in the appraisal report is accurate and reliable, which is essential when comparing properties or analyzing market trends.

How Is This Different from a Home Inspection?

The differences between appraisers and home inspectors become even clearer when we consider their primary goals:

• Appraisers focus on the property’s value and its place in the real estate market, considering comps, market trends, and overall desirability.

• Home inspectors, on the other hand, focus on safety, functionality, and structural integrity. They’re looking for issues such as faulty wiring, plumbing problems, or roofing concerns—not analyzing comparable sales or market conditions.

I’ll leave the finer details of home inspections to the experts in that field, but suffice it to say, comps and market analysis are not part of their job description!

Wrapping It Up

As you navigate holiday conversations, keep in mind that while appraisers and home inspectors both play vital roles in the real estate process, their jobs are vastly different. Appraisers focus on determining value, while home inspectors focus on condition.

If you have any questions about real estate appraisals or need an unbiased estimate of your home’s market value, feel free to reach out! I’m here to help demystify the process and ensure you have all the information you need.