"The $19,050 Mistake 78% of Homeowners Make (And How to Avoid It)"
Real estate professionals reveal the hidden property value destroyer lurking in your front yard
Mark Rodriguez was about to lose $19,050.
He had no idea.
The real estate agent walked around Mark's house, nodding approvingly at the updated kitchen, the fresh paint, the new fixtures.
Then she stepped outside.
Her expression changed.
"Mark," she said carefully, "we need to talk about curb appeal."
The National Association of Realtors says 78% of real estate professionals blame poor landscaping and poor lawns for diminished home values.
Mark's lawn was about to cost him big.
The Hidden Property Value Killer
Survey results showed that relatively large landscape expenditures significantly increase perceived home value and will result in a higher selling price than homes with a minimal landscape.
But Mark's situation was worse than minimal. His lawn was actively hurting his home's value.
The change in value (from no landscape to well-landscaped) ranged from 5.5 percent (Louisiana) to 11.4 percent (South Carolina). Thus, a home valued at $150,000 with no landscape (lawn only) could be worth $8,250 to $19,050 more with a sophisticated landscape.
Mark's house was valued at $340,000. His dying lawn was costing him up to $38,760 in potential value.
"I thought buyers would see past the yard," Mark admits. "I was wrong."
The first showing was brutal. The couple spent three minutes inside before leaving.
"They didn't even look at the master bedroom," Mark recalls. "The agent later told me they made their decision the moment they pulled up."
The 72-Hour Turnaround
HomeLight's top agents, working with data on national average costs, estimate that lawn care service of about $268 adds about $1,200 in value—a 352% ROI.
But Mark needed more than basic lawn care. He needed a complete transformation.
"I called on a Tuesday. By Friday, my lawn looked like something from a magazine," Mark says.
A Michigan State University study found that attractive landscaping can increase perceived home value by 5% to 11%. Virginia Tech research says a well-landscaped home with a lawn has a 5.5% to 12.7% price advantage over a home without a lawn or landscaping.
The difference was immediate.
The Saturday showing changed everything.
"The couple spent an hour inside," Mark remembers. "They made an offer that afternoon – $15,000 over asking price."
Research has shown that high-quality landscaping can increase a property's worth by as much as 12%.
Mark's final sale price: $358,000. That's $18,000 more than his original asking price.
Investment vs. Return
Mark's total lawn investment: $1,847 His return: $18,000+ over asking price ROI: 975%
Regular lawn care — mowing, applying fertilizer, and weed control — recovers an estimated 267% of the cost of upkeep at the time of sale.
But professional transformation? The returns are exponentially higher.
"Best money I ever spent," Mark says. "I should have done it months earlier."
Don't Make Mark's $19,050 Mistake
Landscape economists say good landscaping can add up to 28% to a home's overall value.
The company that made Mark $18,000 is accepting new homeowners who understand that lawn care is really property value insurance.
Here's what makes them perfect for homeowners planning to sell:
✓ Rapid ROI – See value increase in days, not months ✓ Real estate agent recommended – They understand what buyers want ✓ Sale-focused approach – Every decision maximizes property value ✓ Guaranteed results – Your investment is protected
This is specifically for homeowners who:
Are planning to sell within 24 months
Want maximum return on investment
Understand that first impressions determine sale price
Are ready to stop losing money on delayed decisions
Call now: 919-390-5200
"They didn't just improve my lawn. They added $18,000 to my sale price." - Mark R., Apex
