Many believe improvements inside the home—primarily kitchens and bathrooms—are best for increasing value. But a higher value improvement is literally just outside the front door. Billionaire investor Charlie Munger believed that landscaping that enhances curb appeal can deliver an even bigger bang for the buck!
First Impressions Are Everything
Make the best first impression of your home with curb appeal that turns heads!
“You only have one chance to make a good first impression,” is no truer than when it comes to real estate. A potential buyer’s first impression of a home occurs the moment they pull up to the curb. Upping your property’s curb appeal not only makes it more enjoyable to live in today, but it also elevates the home’s appearance when it comes time to sell, sending an appealing signal to buyers.
Even the biggest names in property development know this, and they use this fact to their advantage.
Billionaire Charlie Munger, vice chair of Berkshire Hathaway from 1970 to 2023 and close business associate of Warren Buffett, noted in his biography, Damn Right!: Behind the Scenes with Berkshire Hathaway Billionaire Charlie Munger, that landscaping is what sells, and that while money doesn’t grow on trees, spending money on them (trees) will provide one of the best returns on investment.
Great Lawn = Great Home
Well-maintained landscaping instantly gives buyers the impression of a well-maintained home.
Landscaping is a crucial piece of the home value puzzle, especially psychologically. Two homes that are all but identical in every way except for quality landscaping will achieve very different results on the real estate market. The tidy, well-kept lawn and gardens of one, compared to the absence or ill health of trees, plantings, and shrubs of the other, send entirely different messages to buyers.
A clean, well-manicured lawn gives buyers the impression that the house itself is also well-maintained. During a tour, they may be less inclined to nitpick the little details and focus on the positive attributes of their family’s potential home. The buyer is likely already thinking about work to be done—and the expense it would incur—before they walk in the front door. Rough landscaping may set the tone and line of reasoning as they walk through the inside.
According to American Home Shield, in 2025, buyers were, on average, willing to increase offers by up to $10,000 for homes with exceptional curb appeal, and they ranked a pristine lawn, patios, walkways, fencing, and landscaping as the most important factors that drive decision making.
As Munger stated, homebuyers love to see trees on the property. Strategically placed trees and greenery can frame a home and boost its character. A landscape design that draws the eye towards the front door creates a sense of welcome. An experienced professional outdoor designer can even create a landscaping plan that uses plantings to highlight the best features of a home, hide the less appealing ones, and even create the illusion that the house is larger!
One of the best things about landscaping is its scalability. Effective upgrades can be made on almost any budget, and even small changes can go a long way. Vibrantly colored flowers near the front door and decorative borders in key areas can dramatically improve the overall appearance of a home. Dead or overgrown bushes or plantings create the impression of neglect, so remove them!
Buyers today complete most of their house hunting online, so curb appeal that is maximized by skilled photography makes photos pop, making appealing visuals more essential than ever. A lush front yard, colorful landscaping, and a walkway that says “welcome” will make a home more attractive—and clickable! Thoughtful landscaping makes a home more memorable, and as buyers view dozens of them, standing out from the rest is key.
Call Heinen for Expert Help!
To achieve the best curb appeal for your home, don’t go it alone. Call the landscaping professionals at Heinen! With over 35 years of experience, the team can offer trusted guidance on the best approach to upgrading your home’s landscaping to make an unforgettable first impression!
