Landscaping: First Impressions Start at the Curb

First impressions matter and when you’re preparing your Cape Cod home for sale, landscaping often delivers the very first one. Buyers make emotional decisions quickly, and a beautifully maintained front yard can raise expectations, confidence, and perceived value before they ever reach your front door.

In regions like Barnstable, Dennis, and Orleans, homes with strong curb appeal sell faster and for more money. If your goal is to increase your home’s sale value, landscaping is one of the smartest and most cost-effective upgrades you can make.

Here’s why landscaping should be part of your home sale strategy—and which features deliver the highest ROI.

Why Curb Appeal Sells Homes on Cape Cod

Curb appeal is more than aesthetics. It tells buyers how the home has been cared for and what kind of experience they can expect inside.

Homes with thoughtful landscaping:

• Photograph better online—driving more clicks and showings

• Feel “move-in ready” to buyers

• Signal proper upkeep and pride of ownership

• Stand out in competitive neighborhoods

ROI You Can Count On

According to industry research, professional landscaping can yield a return on investment of 70% to 100%, depending on quality, simplicity, and regional demand. In Cape Cod’s lifestyle-driven real estate market, even minor upgrades can create powerful results.

Easy Landscaping Upgrades That Add Value

Not every improvement has to be costly. These high-impact landscaping ideas help increase home value and create emotional appeal for buyers:

• Defined Walkways
  A clean, structured path to the front door naturally draws the eye and gives the impression that the home has been well cared for. Use pavers, stone, or concrete slabs to create visual flow and design consistency.
  Estimated ROI: 60–80%

• Lawn Cleanup and Crisp Edging
  One of the most budget-friendly ways to boost curb appeal is through lawn maintenance. A neatly mowed lawn with defined edges can make the entire home look newer and better maintained.
  Estimated ROI: 70–90%

• Mulch and Bed Definition
  A fresh layer of mulch in flower beds creates visual contrast and makes landscaping feel deliberate and complete. It’s a small investment that can dramatically change the first impression.
  Estimated ROI: 60–80%

• Seasonal Color and Potted Plants
  Adding seasonal color through flowers or container gardens adds charm and warmth, especially near entryways or porches. It helps buyers emotionally connect with the space.
  Estimated ROI: 60–75%

• Outdoor Lighting
  Landscape lighting, especially along paths or around trees and hardscape, increases nighttime appeal and safety. It also adds a premium feel during evening showings or twilight photography.
  Estimated ROI: 50–75%

• Trimmed Shrubs and Trees
  Overgrown bushes block windows, light, and even curb appeal. Well-trimmed greenery opens up sight lines, enhances natural light, and signals that the home has been lovingly maintained.
  Estimated ROI: 60–85%

Why It Matters More in Cape Cod

Buyers in Cape Cod are often looking for turnkey homes that reflect the lifestyle of the region—coastal, calm, and well cared for. Whether they’re shopping for a vacation home or a primary residence, they’re drawn to properties that feel polished and move-in ready.

Even basic improvements—like pressure-washing walkways or updating garden beds—can help your listing stand out from others that feel less cared for. That emotional first impression can lead to faster offers and higher sale prices.

Bottom Line: A Yard That Sells

Don’t underestimate the power of what buyers see from the street. When landscaping is clean, welcoming, and intentional, it tells buyers the rest of the home is too.

If you’re getting ready to sell and want guidance on how to boost curb appeal before listing, LaBarge Real Estate can help. We’ll walk you through which updates matter most and how to prioritize upgrades that fit your timeline and your Cape Cod neighborhood.