Home ownership is a big investment, which means buyers and sellers are normally researching ways to add long-term value to their property, and knowing how is a superb way for a real estate agent to provide added value. In this case, money can grow on trees.
It’s not a secret – landscaping increases property values. Based on the National Arbor Day Foundation, mature trees can increase the value of a home by 20 %.
There are actually easy approaches to highlight the value trees increase a property to prospective buyers by stressing not only the curb appeal benefits but also the long list of science-backed benefits they provide.
4 ways trees increase the value of a property
1. Lifetime beauty
A mature tree, one that’s over the age of 15 years, can have an appraised value between $1,000 and $10,000, according to the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers.
Although it takes years for trees to get to mature size, weighing the short- and long-term benefits a tree provides for the property may help homeowners see the big picture.
2. Extra green
As outlined by Quicken Loans, “Spending as little as 5 % of your home’s value on landscaping may get an ROI of as much as 150%.”
This curb appeal factor can be the distinction between someone stopping to check out a house or passing it by.
3. Cooling shade
Trees planted in certain areas of a property can dramatically reduce heating and cooling costs.
The American Power Association estimates that effective landscaping can reduce a home cooling bill by as much as 50 % annually.
In fact, areas without shade trees may become “heat islands” with temperatures reaching 12 degrees more than surrounding areas.
Trees planted on the north and northwest sides of a property create a wall against cold winter winds and cut heating costs by approximately 30 % each year.
4. Visual interest
Many trees are valued for their hardiness, durability, adaptability and attractiveness. Reported by Better Homes and Gardens, Japanese maples and dwarf conifers are amongst the most highly valued trees.
These studies show trees improve health, lower anxiety, produce more sociable neighborhoods and create a more inviting street on which to call home. Trees also reduce energy bills, add visual interest to the landscape and take overall home design to the next level.
These are just four of the benefits of having trees on a property. So if you have been considering selling your home, now may be the perfect time, we have a shortage of homes available in the market. Nick & Cindy Davis can assist you here in the Tampa Bay and Surrounding Areas. We have assisted hundreds of our clients get the highest amount for their homes. We are always just a call to 813-300-7116 or simply click here and we will be in touch to schedule a time to sit down with you.