Marketing Your Garden

If you've created a special garden, recognize that the prospect of caring for it might be a deterrent to some buyers. Address the issue directly in your marketing materials.

Perhaps you’re an avid gardener who has spent time, money and effort creating a beautiful and inviting setting for your house. When you sell, the environment you’ve created might be as much a deterrent to some buyers as it will be an attraction to others. What can you do to be certain your property will be seriously considered by most buyers in your price range?

The biggest and most understandable concerns about landscaping are the time, effort and cost of maintenance. If you’re an enthusiastic gardener, doing the work is part of the fun, but these activities don’t appeal to everyone. Many buyers who would love to have a special garden might not be willing or able to care for it. Address the issue of the garden directly in your marketing materials and outline the things you’ve done to create and care for a unique environment. Make maintenance a manageable chore to improve your chances of appealing to the widest audience.

Consider preparing a loose-leaf binder with pictures and other materials telling the story of the garden:

• Property diagram.  Show the lot and note paths and beds, giving a name to each main area, such as the Shade Garden, Rose Garden, Vegetable Garden, etc.

• Underground features. Note the location of underground systems and features, such as drains, septic and wells on the diagram.
• Pictures of the garden in all seasons. Beautiful pictures will generate enthusiasm.
•  Special plants. List special plants and their location, such as fruit trees and the unique Japanese maple in the Shade Garden. Include pictures.
•  Description of special features, such as a stream, fountain or water garden. Include operating and maintenance instructions. If the water garden has fish, describe them and their care.
• Watering System. Is there a drip irrigation or sprinkler system? If so, include it in the property diagram. Is it on a timer? Are there several hose bibs for convenience? Are there planting areas that need little, if any, supplemental watering? 
• Outside Maintenance Services. Do you have a lawn or yard service? What is the monthly cost? 
• Birds. If you feed the birds, describe the ones who visit your garden and what food you provide.
  

Smart Selling Tip:
Make your property appeal to more buyers by creating a binder with information about the garden that inspires interest and enthusiasm, while addressing concerns about maintenance and costs.