NALP report shows value in outdoor projects in 2018

WASHINGTON – The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and the National Association of Realtors partnered to release a 2018 Remodeling Report: Outdoor Feature. The report looks at 13 outdoor residential projects and 10 commercial property projects, highlighting reasons why property owners complete these projects, the value of these remodels and the increased happiness finished projects bring homeowners.

“Realtors understand that a home’s first impression is its curb appeal, so when it comes time to sell, a well-manicured yard can be just as important as any indoor remodel,” said National Association of Realtor President Elizabeth Mendenhall, a realtor from Columbia, Missouri, and CEO of RE/MAX Boone Realty. “Even homeowners with no immediate plans to sell can gain more enjoyment and satisfaction from their home by taking on a project to revive their outdoor spaces.”

When asked which outdoor projects produce the best financial payouts at resale, the National Association of Realtors reported these as top three projects:

• Standard lawn care service – recovers 267 percent of project cost at resale

• Landscape maintenance and tree care – recovers 100 percent of project cost at resale

• Landscape installation and irrigation systems – recovers 86 percent of project cost at resale

When it comes to the enjoyment homeowners gain from outdoor projects, a fire feature and irrigation system tied for first. According to the report, 83 percent of homeowners who installed a fire feature said they have a greater desire to be home since completing the project and 69 percent of homeowners who installed an irrigation system said they feel a sense of accomplishment when they think of the project. The next most appealing projects were water features, statement landscaping and overall landscape upgrades.

“This report validates that landscaping is an investment worth making, offering immediate benefits of increased enjoyment of your property as well as desirable long-term value that holds if or when it comes time to sell,” said Missy Henriksen, vice president of public affairs at NALP. “From lawn care and tree care to installing new fire or water feature or landscape lighting, there’s no shortage of opportunities to enhance your landscape and to reap the benefits these upgrades provide.”

This year, the report also covered outdoor projects for commercial properties. The report found that 43 percent of realtors have suggested a commercial client improve the curb appeal of a property before listing it for sale. The most frequently recommended projects are standard lawn care (39 percent), completing a landscape management service (27 percent) and an overall landscape upgrade (26 percent).

Click here to view the full joint report from the National Association of Realtors and NALP.