3 Reasons To Remove Front Yard Decor When Selling Your House

Front yard decor is often the underdog when it comes to selling a house or piece of land. The appearance of the front yard usually determines prospective buyers’ first impressions. Looking at an unkept yard and tacky decor is not helping you, dear readers.

When we got into the homebuying business in Philly, this was one of the early tips of the trade. Sellers often overlook that outdoor aesthetics are as important to potential buyers as the house.

Another aspect of this is personalization. While home sellers may cherish their custom front yard decor, it is essential to consider how much decorations might impact future buyers. Items such as lawn flamingos and garden gnomes might seem charming to some but could be off-putting to others.

Front Yard Decor versus No Front Yard Decor

Before you serve your front yard on a bland platter to prospective buyers, you should be smart. You want the front yard to appear appealing, attractive, and aesthetic. If that means removing the front yard decor, then you do it.

But in my years in this profession, I have seen hundreds of debates on the topic of front yard decor during the selling process. Some are for it while some are against it. So how do we go about it?

The Case for Lawn Ornaments

Lawn ornaments ranging from garden gnomes to whimsical flamingos are a strange topic. Supporters argue that these add character and charm to an otherwise plain yard. A tasteful sculpture can highlight features or even start up a conversation. But we would recommend otherwise.

You should be cautious against using quirky decoration items. These clutter the front yard and can distract buyers from the home’s architecture and other features. The idea here is – everything should be done in moderation. A collection of lawn ornaments might overwhelm the buyer.

Choosing The Right Doormat

You might be amused at the concept of “the right doormat” and it might seem like a tiny detail in the grand scheme. But the doormat is one of the first things visitors notice when entering your home.

A clever or humorous doormat could showcase your personality while a classic design exudes sophistication. So you have a free hand, right? The debate here centers around the message. A quirky doormat might amuse some but could come off as negative to some buyers. Furthermore, a worn-out doormat can leave a negative impression, no matter the design.

The Power of Seasonal Wreaths

Seasonal wreaths are often viewed as a welcoming touch for visitors. A Christmas wreath with colors of green and red offers comfort, happiness, and warmth. My parents used to have a Christmas wreath on our front door while we were kids as it was a tradition and made us happy.

But some people argue that seasonal wreaths can get too specific. For instance, a Halloween-themed wreath might not appeal to everyone’s tastes and beliefs. Additionally, poorly-maintained wreaths could subtract from the home’s elegance.

How Important is Landscaping When Selling A House?

Landscaping plays a pivotal role as it helps buyers form opinions about the house. Here is what’s most important about it when selling a house:

• A boost to the curb appeal
• It increases property value
• It helps buyers envision themselves in the house

How To Find The Right Balance?

The goal here is to create a cohesive and inviting exterior environment. Here is how we at Brotherly Love Real Estate generally do it:

• Try to keep it simple and avoid overdecorating
• Consider the preferences of your target audience
• Maintain quality

Front Yard Decor – Yes or No

Generally, we are all for front yard decor. But when selling your home, you should reconsider. Over-the-top front yard decor could get overstimulating for the buyers and influence their decisions.

Decor often shoots from personalities and you want to come across as likable and reasonable. You do not want your home to be negatively impacted by an overly colorful garden gnome or lawn flamingo.

Landscaping is so much more than an aesthetic consideration. It is a strategic tool for selling a house and all real estate agents will endorse this. As such, investing in landscaping could be a smart move for any seller.