Landscaping Mistakes That Can Turn Off Buyers in St. Augustine & Palm Coast
Did you know that outdoor living spaces can boost your home’s value by up to 12%? If you’re thinking about upgrading your yard before selling, stop right there! You might be wasting thousands on landscaping projects that could actually hurt your home’s value. As your trusted Northeast Florida Realtor, I’ve seen firsthand how certain outdoor features can deter potential buyers. Let’s dive into what you should avoid when prepping your yard for sale.
Hey there! I’m Kim Devlin, your dedicated Realtor serving St. Augustine and Palm Coast. One thing I always emphasize when selling a home is the importance of outdoor living. Many buyers I work with are looking for that perfect patio or lanai space to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather. But when it comes to prepping your home for sale, there are a few things you shouldn’t do to your yard because it’s not going to add value.
1. High-Maintenance Gardens – A Beautiful Hassle
We all love a gorgeous garden, right? But if your yard looks like it requires a degree in botany to maintain, buyers might run the other way! Here in St. Augustine and Palm Coast, we have many seasonal residents and retirees looking for low-maintenance properties. Keep it simple: native plants, easy-to-care-for greenery, and a fresh, well-mulched look go a long way.
2. Unusual Features – Not Everyone Wants a Backyard Lagoon
A koi pond with a little bridge sounds dreamy, but most buyers don’t want to deal with fish maintenance and a potential mosquito breeding ground. I remember showing a property in Nocatee with a huge, swamp-like pond in the center of the lanai—a huge turn-off! Instead, focus on creating breezy, beachy, and functional outdoor spaces. A fire pit or a cozy patio setup? That’s a selling feature.
3. Artificial Lawns – Real Grass, Real Buyers
Artificial grass might seem convenient, but buyers in Florida prefer the real thing. They love the aesthetic of real grass, which also keeps the ground cooler. Plus, curb appeal matters! If you’ve already installed artificial turf, balance it with natural landscaping.
4. Oversized Hardscaping – Less is More
We love a nice patio, but too much hardscaping can backfire. Buyers here in Florida want grassy areas, especially for their pups. Leave room for a lawn, garden beds, or a play area.
5. Above-Ground Pools – Avoid This Eyesore
Above-ground pools are rarely a selling point. Many buyers see them as temporary and high-maintenance. Here in Florida, buyers expect in-ground pools. If you have one, consider offering to remove it as a selling perk.
6. Overly Personalized Landscaping – Keep It Neutral
Just like staging the inside of your home, keep your yard neutral. A simple, well-maintained lawn with classic plants appeals to all buyers. Avoid personal touches that scream “this is my dream yard, not yours.”
Final Thoughts
When prepping your yard for sale, less is more. Keep it clean, simple, and easy to maintain. A buyer should think, “I can see myself enjoying this space.”
What’s your dream landscaping project? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
For my seller prep guide, just click the link and it will take you there. And if you’re thinking of selling your home in St Johns County FL homes for sale or Palm Coast and want to have a conversation, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].