Landscaping Improvement Projects That Offer the Best and Worst Returns on Investment #MABA #MassachusettsRealEstate #FirstTimeHomeBuyers #MassBuyerAgents

by | Jan 28, 2023 | Cambridge MA Real Estate News, First Time Home Buyer, First Time Home Buyers Advice, Home Buyers, Home Prices, House Hunting, Landscaping, MABA, Real Estate Agent, Real Estate Market, Real Estate Prices

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— Massachusetts Buyer’s Agents serving home buyers in Massachusetts. Buyer brokers real estate agents dedicated to homebuyers and first time homebuyers buying condominiums, townhomes, homes and real estate in Massachusetts cities and towns using buyer's brokers and buyers agents.

Landscaping Improvement Projects That Offer the Best and Worst Returns on Investment #MABA #MassachusettsRealEstate #FirstTimeHomeBuyers #MassBuyerAgents

Landscaping Improvement Projects That Offer the Best and Worst Returns on Investment MABA MassachusettsRealEstate FirstTimeHomeBuyers MassBuyerAgents

What your house looks like outside is just as important as what it looks like inside—especially if you plan on selling it one day.

Boosting your curb appeal will not only elevate your enjoyment of—and confidence in—your home, it will also mark an important investment in its long-term value. Curb appeal alone can add 7% or more to the value of your home. Also, the National Association of Realtors® found that 100% of landscaping and tree service costs are recovered when a home sells.

But which landscaping tasks will bring you the best return on investment, or ROI?

Read on for insights from real estate and design pros on the outdoor renovation projects that deliver the best and worst returns.

1. Adding a deck or patio: Good ROI

Spending time outside with friends and family is much more convenient if you have a deck or patio.

“Patios or decks can provide a gathering place for outdoor entertaining and increase the value of your home,” says Martin Boonzaayer, CEO of the Trusted Home Buyer in Phoenix.

Homeowners who decide to make the investment can expect to recoup about 65% of their investment, Boonzaayer says.

How much should you budget? According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost Vs. Value Report, homeowners can expect to spend about $16,000 on a 16-by-20-foot wood deck with pressure-treated planks. A composite deck is more expensive, but the ROI is comparable.

2. Installing a sprinkler system: Good ROI

A dry, brown lawn is quite an eyesore. Installing a sprinkler system is a great investment that prevents unsightly patches and delivers a killer ROI.

“A sprinkler system can help keep your lawn and plants healthy and looking great,” says Boonzaayer. “It can be especially helpful if you live in a region with drought conditions. A sprinkler system can recoup up to 100% of its value upon resale.”

The cost of a sprinkler system installation, depending on the size of your lawn and ZIP code, can be about $500 on the low end and $3,500 on the high end.

3. Paver walkway: Good ROI

A pretty path from your driveway to your front door can do wonders for your home’s overall aesthetic.

“One project that delivers exceptional ROI, and improves your own quality of life, is putting in a paver walkway,” says Joe Raboine, a former contractor and director of residential hardscapes at Belgard in Atlanta. “Replacing the front walkway is also one of the simplest ways to refresh the exterior of your home.”

You can get creative with a variety of paver styles, from simple