Spring Landscaping Tips Realtors Can Share to Boost Curb Appeal

Spring is the perfect time to refresh a property’s exterior and make a lasting impression. For real estate agents, understanding the basics of curb appeal can be a powerful asset when advising clients and positioning homes to sell quickly. As a real estate school, we want our students to understand that curb appeal isn't just aesthetic—it's strategic. Great landscaping can increase property value and help a listing stand out in a crowded market.

In this blog, we’ll cover easy, affordable, and impactful spring landscaping tips that real estate agents can recommend to sellers or use in their own property marketing strategies.

Why Curb Appeal Matters in Real Estate

First impressions are everything in real estate. A well-maintained yard signals that a home has been cared for, which can influence buyers before they even step inside.

Key stats:

• Homes with strong curb appeal can sell for 7% more on average than similar homes with neglected exteriors. (Source: Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics)
• Buyers form an impression within the first 8 seconds of arriving at a property. (Source: Association for Psychological Science)

Top Spring Gardening Tips for Home Sellers

1. Clean Up the Yard

Start with the basics:

• Rake leaves, remove dead plants, and clear any winter debris.
• Trim overgrown bushes and trees.
• Edge along walkways and garden beds for a crisp, clean look.

2. Plant Colorful Flowers

Seasonal blooms create an inviting atmosphere:

• Choose easy-to-maintain flowers like tulips, pansies, petunias, and marigolds.
• Use flower beds, window boxes, or large pots near the entrance.

3. Add Fresh Mulch

Mulch makes landscaping look polished and helps retain moisture for plants. Dark mulch often contrasts beautifully with greenery and flowers, creating a high-impact visual.

4. Power Wash Surfaces

Clean driveways, walkways, porches, and siding to brighten up the entire exterior. This simple step can dramatically improve a home’s presentation.

5. Update the Front Door and House Numbers

A freshly painted door and modern house numbers can act as focal points and give the home an updated feel.

6. Light It Up

Exterior lighting adds safety and ambiance. Suggest solar-powered path lights or uplighting for landscaping and trees.

Low-Cost Landscaping Ideas with High ROI

Not every seller has a huge budget. These options make a difference without breaking the bank:

• Use container gardens to add greenery in tight spaces.
• Replace old hardware (door handles, mailbox) for a modern look.
• Lay down steppingstones or gravel paths to define spaces.
• Paint the fence or add a simple trellis for vertical interest.

Before-and-After Landscaping Examples

Encourage agents to build a portfolio of before-and-after landscaping shots to use in listing presentations or social media. These images help:

• Demonstrate expertise
• Show the power of curb appeal
• Build trust with potential clients

How Agents Can Use Landscaping Tips in Listing Presentations

Agents who offer specific curb appeal advice position themselves as knowledgeable, full-service professionals. Here’s how to incorporate it:

• Include a "Spring Curb Appeal Audit" as part of your listing package.
• Recommend trusted landscapers or gardeners.
• Offer a checklist sellers can follow before professional photos.

Free Download: Spring Curb Appeal Checklist for Clients

Want to help your sellers get started? Offer a downloadable, printable checklist with your branding:

• Cleaning to-dos
• Landscaping tasks
• Quick cosmetic updates
• Final prep before listing photography

Final Thoughts

Real estate agents who understand and promote the value of curb appeal can help sellers get top dollar and reduce days on market. As a real estate school, we encourage agents-in-training to think beyond the transaction and provide holistic value—landscaping tips included.

Spring is a season of opportunity, and your listings should bloom right along with it.

Catherine is the Director of Marketing at Perry Real Estate College. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Management and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Kentucky. With a passion for strategic marketing, Catherine has developed and executed impactful marketing and partnership strategies for various companies—including one based in Dublin, Ireland! Outside of work, she enjoys reading, exploring new crafts, and spending time with her dog and two cats.