You’ve probably heard the phrase, or something similar, that sounds like this; “First impressions make lasting impressions.” This timeless adage applies to everything from first dates to the greetings professionals exchange at industry seminars and conferences. “First impressions make lasting impressions” is also relevant to those marketing their humble abode.
Your lawn is the first impression that determines whether a potential buyer moves forward in the home buying process.
Ride on first impression
Technology has dramatically changed the way we buy and sell homes. Brokers and do-it-yourselfers upload property images to entice potential buyers to explore properties further. It’s one thing to say that a home offers several unique amenities, but it’s another thing to prove it.
A picture is worth a thousand words, but does the picture reflect the current look of a homeowner’s lawn?
The old-fashioned process of buying a home still dominates the real estate world. This means that if you put your home up for sale, you can expect potential buyers to quickly scan the property to determine if they want to take the next step in the home buying process.
Your weed is the first thing they see
Prospective buyers usually note the condition of the lawn before moving on to other features, such as the roof and the appearance of the house. When a potential buyer sees a manicured lawn filled with lush grass and manicured shrubbery, they usually assume the interior of the home is worth a look. The correlation between a high quality lawn and the appearance of the interior is strong. Look at your lawn like a fisherman looks at bait. The better the bait, the more likely you are to catch a fish.
What are homebuyers looking for in a lawn?
Homebuyers don’t care what kind of fertilizer you use to maintain a healthy lawn or whether you have a dazzling display of petunias. What potential buyers want to see in a lawn is a lawn that looks lush green and has been mowed in opposite directions to create a visually appealing landscape. Overgrown lawns that contain several vacant spaces, as well as moss and weeds, won’t make the kind of first impression you want on potential buyers.