When you put your home on the real estate market, you hope for a fast sale at the price you desire. Many factors affect the price of a home and it’s ability to sell quickly, such as hire a mortgage company to help you with your home loans, but you can take proactive steps to attract buyers by ensuring it looks its best, both inside and out. Many sellers take great pains to repair and paint the inside of the home but neglect the small improvements on the outside that can make a big difference in securing a buyer. Here are five tips for improving your yard that prospective buyers will appreciate.

– Trim Back Overgrown Foliage

Mature trees and shrubs may have become so overgrown that it detracts from the overall appearance of your home. Take some time to assess your landscaping to see how it affects the look of your home. Trim back tree branches that are hanging over the roof or obstructing windows. Remove broken or weak branches to improve the tree’s shape. Thin out shrubs to make them look neater. A well-maintained property will help you to achieve a fast sale and a favorable appraisal, so a mortgage company will be happy to lend to your buyer.

– Add Yard Lights

Lighting your entryway attractively or highlighting unusual plants can add a distinctive touch that makes your property stand out from the rest. Lights near the back door can also provide a look at security and safety. A variety of new types of outdoor lighting is available that is easy to connect and that can be utilized in a number of ways.

– Design an Inviting Entryway with Plants

A curved bed with colorful flowers can make a big difference in how the entrance to your home looks and feels. A small ornamental tree near the front steps can also help to improve the look of your front entrance. If you have a porch, put up a few hanging baskets with colorful flowers. These small touches can help to attract potential buyers to your property.

– Reseed or Sod Your Lawn

Many lawns have bare or worn areas that could use a bit of rejuvenation. Generally, this may occur along spaces that see a great deal of use or under the shade of trees. Do some reseeding of the lawn in open areas. You may want to use sod in shady areas, where grass may be difficult to grow.

– Put Tools and Toys in Storage

Lawn equipment and outdoor toys left in yard areas tend to create a messy appearance that can devalue your property. Collect all unused items left in yard areas and organize them neatly in your garage, basement or in an attractive storage shed in a discreet corner of the property. These changes will help you to present your home in the best possible light.

A neat and tidy yard reflects the care you give to the rest of the property. Buyers look for homeowners who maintain their properties both inside and out. These tips can help to ensure that prospective buyers get a good first impression of your home.