When attempting to sell your home, you might be amazed at what a little change in your landscaping can do to make your home attractive to prospective buyers. Even if your home is immaculate on the inside, the buyer’s first impression will be set in stone before they even enter the home. If your bushes are overgrown or your grass needs a good trimming, it can quickly turn away most buyers.

However, one type of real-estate investor makes a habit of looking for homes with poor curb appeal. These are typically flippers who are looking to pay pennies on the dollar, improve the property’s cosmetic value, and double their money in a matter of months. By neglecting your lawn and shrubbery, you not only attract this type of individual, but you also lower your property value.

Creating a lovely exterior doesn’t have to be expensive. Just like you removed the clutter from inside your home, get rid of anything that looks out of place or junky on your lawn. Clean your windows, repaint your trim, rake your leaves, and trim your bushes. Buy some attractive potted plants and arrange them on your front steps. If you can’t judge whether it’s enough, ask your real-estate agent for an opinion.

Your goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere that makes people feel like they’ve arrived a well-cared for home instead of a neglected, vacant property. Without this feeling, they may wonder what else has been neglected in the home in addition to the landscaping.