Top Tips for Landscaping Your Investment Property

We’ve all heard the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover.” While this is often true, when it comes to real estate, first impressions make all the difference. And the “cover” of a property? That's your landscape. Whether you're a real estate mogul or a beginner in the property investment game, smart and effective landscaping can add substantial value to your investment property and make it easier to find tenants. In this blog post, we’ll be highlighting some of the top tips for landscaping to maximizing the value of your investment property. Here are the top tips for maximizing the value of your investment property: Enhance Curb Appeal Curb appeal is a key factor in a property's attractiveness. It's the first thing potential tenants see, and can make or break their interest. Trim trees and hedges, keep the grass neatly mowed, and add splashes of color with flowering plants. Enhance the walkway with pavers or stepping stones and consider features like a water fountain or an art piece as focal points. Plan for Low Maintenance Investment properties need landscapes that are beautiful but require minimal maintenance. Busy tenants might not have the time to look after an intricate garden, and as an investor, you want to minimize your ongoing costs. Choose plants that are native to the area and can withstand the local climate. Drought-tolerant plants, for example, are a great choice for regions with water scarcity. And remember, a simple, well-kept lawn often looks better than a complex garden that's not maintained. Invest in Quality Outdoor Lighting Proper outdoor lighting can transform a property’s appearance during the evening hours while providing an added layer of security. Use lights to accentuate architectural features, tree canopies, or walkways. Solar-powered lights are an excellent eco-friendly and cost-effective choice. Create Usable Outdoor Spaces Renters or buyers often look for functional outdoor spaces. A patio with seating, a BBQ area, or even a fire pit can make the backyard more appealing. If space permits, consider a small garden where tenants could grow their own vegetables or flowers. This adds value and promotes sustainability. Use Mulch Wisely Mulch isn't just an attractive addition to your garden beds; it helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and as it decomposes, it nourishes the soil. It’s a win-win for enhancing aesthetics and promoting plant health. However, make sure you get into a habit of habitually refreshing your mulched areas as weathered mulch can become an eyesore to your overall landscape. Focus on Sustainability Sustainable landscaping involves using practices that disturb the environment as little as possible, preserving resources, and reducing waste. Consider installing a rain barrel for watering plants, opt for organic fertilizers, or install a compost bin. This not only saves you money but also appeals to environmentally conscious tenants. Regular Upkeep Even a low maintenance landscape requires some care. Regular pruning, fertilizing, watering, and pest control will keep the landscape healthy and attractive. Consider hiring a professional landscaping service if you're managing multiple properties or if the property is large. Make It Personal Finally, allow some room for personal touches. If the property allows pets, consider a pet-friendly area. If it’s a family home, a safe, fun space for children could be a great selling point.

The biggest consideration when landscaping your investment property is how much time you have to keep up with ongoing maintenance. If you do not have the time to devote to landscaping and you do not want to hire a professional, zeroscaping your property could be the best solution for you. This style of landscaping uses plants that are native to the area and are thus adapted to the local climate, making them resilient to weather changes and pests, and significantly reducing the need for watering, fertilizing, and disease control. Additionally, zeroscape designs typically incorporate elements like rocks, pebbles, and pavers, creating an aesthetically pleasing environment that doesn't require regular upkeep like mowing or pruning.

Effective landscaping is an art that requires careful planning and execution, but the reward can be significant. It can increase the overall attractiveness of your property, potentially bring higher rents, and even contribute to quicker sales when you're ready to sell. So, whether you do it yourself or hire professionals, remember that a well-landscaped property is a more valuable property.

Here at Nomad, we’re experts when it comes to pricing your property, finding a well-vetted tenant, and guaranteeing your rent for the duration of the lease you sign with your tenant. If you’re interested in learning more about these services and why over 6,000 owners love working with us, get started by requesting your free Guaranteed Rental Estimate!