You never get a second chance to make a first impression. It’s good advice in general, but is particularly important when you’re getting ready to sell your home.

To attract homebuyers right off the bat and ensure your property looks like a million bucks, even from the street, curb appeal should be top of mind.

Border plants are one easy and affordable way to boost your curb appeal and get your home off the market in no time. Let’s take a closer look at what border plants are and how you can use them to your advantage.

What are border plants?

Put simply, border plants are shrubs or flowers you plant along the edges of flower beds, walkways, fences, driveways, or other landscape features to define spaces, create structure, and add visual appeal. These plants can be small, like creeping ground covers, or larger shrubs that form living hedges or natural barriers.

“Regardless of size, border plants help highlight specific areas of your yard, drawing positive attention and making your landscape appear more organized and thoughtfully designed,” says Julia Omelchenko, resident botany expert at Plantum, an app designed to simplify plant care.

Border plants can be planted in different parts of your yard, not just along the foundation of your home. You may plant them along fences, along driveways, or even near the trunks of large trees to add pops of color.

“They’re also great for framing patios, surrounding gazebos, highlighting flower beds, or marking the edges of garden paths,” explains Omelchenko.

5 types of border plants and how to care for them

1. Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas thrive in moderate climates and partial shade, making them ideal border plants for the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest states.

Hydrangeas are known for their large, showy blooms in shades of blue, pink, purple, and white. Interestingly, the color of some hydrangea species can change depending on soil acidity. For example, their flowers turn blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline soil.

“The best time to plant hydrangeas is in spring or fall when temperatures are moderate. Hydrangeas typically reach maturity and begin blooming within two to four years,” explains Omelchenko.

Plant them in a location with morning sun, afternoon shade, and well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.

Since hydrangeas love moisture, they need additional deep watering during dry spells.

“Hydrangeas look stunning along fences, property borders, or the sides of the house. Their rounded, lush form and large flowers create a dramatic, luxurious effect that instantly boosts curb appeal,” adds Omelchenko.

2. Lily of the Nile (Agapanthus)

The lily of the Nile is native to South Africa and grows well in warm regions like California, the Southeastern U.S., Texas, and Arizona. This plant’s flowers usually come in rich blue, purple, or white hues. They form lush clusters on top of tall stems, giving them a striking appearance. The best time to plant the lily of the Nile is in spring after the last frost.

“The plant prefers bright sunny spots but can tolerate partial shade in hot climates. It needs well-drained soil and becomes drought-tolerant once established. Water it moderately and avoid overwatering, as too much moisture can cause root rot,” says Omelchenko.

The lily of the Nile looks gorgeous along driveways, garden paths, or near patios. Its vertical lines add height and elegance, making it a great choice for more formal, classic designs. Additionally, its tall, upright blooms contrast beautifully with lower-growing border plants.

3. Holly (Ilex)

The holly is native to Europe, North America, and Asia and ideal for most regions in the U.S. Although it’s well known for its glossy green leaves and bright red berries, this border plant might also feature white or yellow edges, adding extra decorative appeal.

“Holly shrubs are best planted in spring or fall. They grow slowly but eventually form dense, attractive bushes,” says Omelchenko.

These plants require regular watering and should be pruned in late winter or early spring to add shape and control their size.

“The holly is excellent for creating borders along fences, property lines, or around house foundations,” explains Omelchenko.

4. Lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

The lilac, or Syringa vulgaris, is native to the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe and thrives in cooler climates. Its beautiful spring blooms look their best after a cold winter, which is essential for bud formation.

Lilacs are famous for their pastel shades—lavender, pink, blue, and white—as well as vivid deep purple blooms. They’re also highly prized for their rich, sweet fragrance. Lilac trees attract butterflies and other pollinators. As a bonus, their flowers are excellent for bouquets.

“Plant lilacs in early spring or fall. They typically begin blooming one to two years after planting, and with proper care, lilac bushes last for many years and reliably bloom each spring,” says Omelchenko.

They need at least six hours of sunlight a day and well-drained, slightly alkaline soil. Prune them immediately after flowering to maintain the shape and encourage abundant blooms the following year.

“Lilacs are perfect for planting along fences or garden edges, where you can fully enjoy their scent. Planting them near windows or seating areas, like around a gazebo, is a great idea to allow the springtime fragrance to fill the air,” adds Omelchenko.

5. Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)

The black-eyed Susan is native to North America and adapts to a wide range of climates but prefers sunny locations with well-drained soil. These cheerful flowers resemble daisies, featuring golden-yellow petals with dark brown or nearly black centers.

“The best time to sow the seeds is in spring after the last frost. If sown early, many cultivars will bloom the same year or the following year if planted later. A lot of black-eyed Susan varieties will also readily reseed themselves year after year,” says Omelchenko.

Once established, black-eyed Susans are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. They thrive in full sun and bloom from midsummer to early fall.

“Black-eyed Susans are excellent for bordering flower beds, driveways, or around mailboxes. Their bright blooms immediately catch the eye and pair well with taller shrubs or ornamental grasses,” explains Omelchenko.

These border plants are also deer-resistant as they do attract butterflies and other pollinators. Thanks to their long blooming period and easy care requirements, black-eyed Susans are popular with both beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

 

For this and related articles, please visit Realtor.com

On a warm Florida day, real estate broker Alex Platt arrived at a Delray Beach home for a listing appointment. The home was spacious, with a smart layout and attractive furniture. But as Platt toured the home, he was surprised—and concerned—by how much clutter was in every room.

“The miscellaneous items scattered throughout made it feel cramped and less appealing,” Platt says.

He told the seller that, before they listed, the home would need to be tidied.

“I gently but firmly explained the importance of decluttering—not only for in-person showings but especially for the professional photos,” he recalls. “I emphasized that buyers usually get the first impression through online photos, and clutter can make even a spacious home feel small and uninviting.”

Indeed, cleaning and decluttering can be one of the easiest, cheapest, and most important home upgrades. With just a few hours and some sorting bags and boxes, a homeowner can give their home a major face-lift—and likely increase their sale price.

So, if you’re looking to sell now, it’s a good idea to schedule a decluttering session—and set aside items you might be able to sell for extra cash. In the end, going through your stuff could help you get a higher price for your current home, as well as fund any additional expenses that come up during closing, like repairs.

Why decluttering is so important

Platt explains that decluttering is an important part of preparing for a home sale.

During his meeting with the Delray Beach homeowner, he says that he pointed out the potential value difference between presenting the home in its best, most polished condition versus its cluttered state.

“I estimated that difference could be around $100,000—or roughly 10% of the home’s value,” he says.

In the end, his client decluttered the home, which made the space look brand-new.

“It felt brighter, more spacious, and much more appealing,” Platt recalls. “The seller was visibly proud of the transformation and all the effort they had put in.”

Three days after listing, they had two offers and ultimately sold the home for the full asking price.

Other real estate professionals agree that a tidy home sells better. A recent survey by StorageUnits.com found that 99% of real estate agents said junk or clutter in and around a home decreases property value. In addition, 76% of the surveyed real estate agents say homes free of clutter will sell at least twice as fast.

Indeed, when it comes time to sell a home, many improvements can help spark interest from buyers. A fresh coat of paint will do wonders. Switching out lighting can be a simple and inexpensive upgrade. Even refreshing the landscaping has been shown to increase a home’s value by up to 28%.

But decluttering can be an easy and cost-effective DIY project—with big results.

Top home items to sell for big bucks

You might have a lot of valuable stuff sitting around your house, and once you know what you can part with, the next step is deciding how to sell it.

Garage sales are a classic option. Alternatively, there are sites that will help you sell online. Plus, antiques shops might buy your vintage items.

Brad Stanwick, owner of The Parson’s Nose Antiques in Detroit, says that when people are trying to sell their stuff, it’s important they know roughly how much their items are worth. After all, you wouldn’t want to sell a vase for a couple of bucks only to find out later it’s worth thousands.

“The best way to get something appraised is to bring it to a professional appraiser,” Stanwick says, noting that they usually charge a fee. “Another way is to go to a respected antiques shop or jewelry shop. But keep in mind that if they want to buy it, that might influence their appraisal.”

He adds that most antiques shops don’t want you to bring the piece in, and would rather see photos.

“It’s very easy for them to quickly understand if it’s something that they’re interested in or not from photos,” he says. “This will save you and the dealer time.”

Here are some household items that are worth selling:

Furniture

Many people want to get rid of old furniture and buy new stuff when they move. This is good news for sellers because furniture can be worth big bucks.

Newer pieces can sell well online or at garage sales, but Stanwick says to look for classic pieces, which might be especially valuable to antiques collectors.

He says that “brown furniture,” which refers to pieces made of oak and mahogany, is very desirable.

Pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries are especially valuable, he adds. So think twice before tossing that worn-out rocking chair or end table.

“You’d be surprised at how many of us are living with old pieces of furniture every day and don’t even know it,” Stanwick says.

Floor rugs

Just like old furniture, old floor rugs can be worth a lot. Granted, that old Ikea rug probably isn’t worth much, but an antique piece woven with silk could be worth a fortune.

“Old rugs are making a comeback,” Stanwick says. “Make sure you know what’s lying on your floor before you purge.”

Clothing

While decluttering rooms is important, sellers should also try to lighten their closets. After all, if the closets are crowded, buyers might think storage is a problem in the home.

While some designer pieces or unique vintage items could be worth something online, generally, old clothing will fetch only a few bucks and are perfect for a garage sale.

If you have just a bunch of old T-shirts and kid clothes, price your outfits to sell, or consider setting out disposable bags for shoppers to fill and pricing each bag at $10 or $20. The real value is in how tidy and spacious your closets will look to buyers.

Jewelry

Second-hand costume jewelry can sell surprisingly well at yard sales, but Stanwick advises getting a professional opinion before selling jewelry. Many people inherit jewelry and might not know what a piece is worth.

“Is Aunt Jane’s diamond broach real or only costume?” he asks. “You never know, and experts are very ready to take a look and give you an appraisal.”

Flatware

Stanwick says that people often try to sell old sets of china, silver-plated serving pieces, and old flatware. Generally, these aren’t worth very much.

Regular kitchenware is typically best for the donation pile.

Still, he says there’s always an exception. “Don’t mistake silver-plated serving pieces for sterling silver, which is solid, silver, and worth money,” he says.

Kids’ toys

Quality toys can get attention at a garage sale, especially if they’re still in their original packaging. Lego Duplo and other building sets are a great second-hand buy because they rarely show damage and missing a few pieces (unlike a puzzle) isn’t a big deal. Plus, Lego usually retires sets after a few years, so if you have a set that is rare, collectors will pay top dollar—even if you’re missing a brick or two.

Old DVDs, CDs, records, and gaming consoles

Some rare, limited-edition records could be worth a lot to collectors, and an old Game Boy or Switch might be of interest to gamers. In fact, there is a huge market for “vintage” gaming systems, such as the original Atari, Nintendo, and PlayStation.

But even your basic DVDs and CDs can sell. Garage-sale shoppers tend to be older and might still be using classic systems for their movies and music. If you price them for a dollar and sell only 10, at least that’s $10 more in your pocket and a little less clutter in your house.

Put your money to good use

More than half of real estate agents (55%) believe that junk or clutter in your home “significantly decreases” your property value, according to a recent study by StorageUnits.com.

But another financial to keep in mind as a seller is concessions. Depending on the condition of your house, a buyer might look to you to make repairs before handing over the home, or make concessions due to the state of the place.

To avoid the latter, it’s a good idea to make necessary repairs before showing your home to potential buyers. And now, with some extra cash in your pocket, you can prioritize projects.

For example, most experts agree that a fresh coat of paint, both interior and exterior, can add value to your home with little money out of pocket.

For example, interior painting offers an ROI of around 107%, so spending $8,000 for a fresh coat of paint can add around $16,500 to your home’s resale value, according to Angi data.

 

For this and similar articles, please visit Realtor.com

Ahome inspection can reveal issues that may not only affect the sale of your home, but also give buyers leverage to lower their offer, request repairs—or back out entirely.

To avoid costly surprises, sellers should prepare ahead of time.

Our home inspection checklist will guide you through key steps, so your property is in top shape. This way you’ll be able to pass inspection and potentially make repairs to increase your home’s value in the process.

Initial walkthrough

Before bringing in a professional inspector, homeowners should conduct their own initial walkthrough—both inside and out.

While you’re not expected to be an expert, this gives you the opportunity to identify any obvious issues before the inspector does. You don’t need special credentials to notice a leaky ceiling or recognize that rainwater pooling around the foundation could signal problems.

Take a moment to declutter your home and take care of the outside spaces before you start—a tidy space can helps you spot potential issues more easily.

Exterior

• Ensure the roof is free of missing or damaged shingles.

• Inspect the chimney for cracked bricks, and check the condition of the chimney cap.

• Verify that gutters are clear of debris and free from damage.

• Check that siding is tight, straight, and in good condition, and ensure stucco is crack-free.

• Confirm that windows and doors open and close properly, without any cracks.

• Look for signs of standing water. 

• Mow the lawn, trim bushes, and remove any weeds.

Interior

The home inspector will also look for major issues like:

• Sagging, leaky, or cracked ceilings

• Warped, sagging, or buckling floors

• Leaning walls

• Doors that don’t close properly

• Drafty windows that don’t seal well

• Leaks under sinks or near any water sources

Give these rooms special attention

Once you’re back inside, give special attention to certain rooms. The kitchen is often the heart of the home and one of the biggest selling points for many homebuyers. It’s a space that buyers are willing to invest in, so ensuring it’s in top shape can make a significant difference.

Check for any signs of wear and tear, such as scratched or stained countertops, chipped tiles, or outdated appliances. If your range has a hood fan, make sure it vents properly to the outside.

If you’re going above and beyond, consider minor upgrades like replacing old hardware or refreshing the cabinets. Fixing certain issues can go a long way in boosting your kitchen’s appeal.

While the basement may not be as frequently used as the kitchen, it’s just as critical when it comes to your home’s overall condition—especially when it comes to foundational issues.

Problems like wet spots or sagging wood structures can be signs of water damage, which could seriously impact the structural integrity of your home.

If basement issues go unnoticed and are discovered later in the home selling process—particularly during negotiations or after you’ve already entered contract talks—it can be a major headache. Structural problems are not only expensive to repair but can also cause buyers to back out or demand price reductions so addressing these issues beforehand is key.

Have questions ready for your agent

What buyers prioritize can vary by location, and a knowledgeable local agent will understand what matters most in your area. For example, having a full bathroom on the first floor might be a big selling point in your neighborhood but not as important in others.

Your agent will also be able to advise you on what needs attention before you start showing your home to prospective buyers. They’ll know which updates or repairs are worth making to maximize your home’s appeal—and just as importantly what you shouldn’t fix so you’re not over-investing in areas that won’t add much value.

Home inspection checklist for sellers

During the inspection, the inspector will be checking for a range of potential issues. To help the process go smoothly, tidy up the house and property.

Start by cleaning up the lawn, trimming overgrown plants, and removing debris from around the property. Inside, declutter surfaces, clear hallways, and make sure areas like the attic, basement, and crawl spaces are easily accessible.

These simple steps can make it easier for the inspector to do their job and keep the inspection focused on identifying any real issues that need attention.

Kitchen

• Appliances

• Cabinets

• Drawers

• Stove

• Plumbing (under sink)

• Flooring

Bathroom

• Mirrors

• Sinks

• Tub/shower

• Exhaust fan

• Toilet

• Caulking/grouting

Basement

• Plumbing (pipes)

• HVAC unit

• Wooden structures

Attic

• Exhaust and appliance vents

• Insulation

• Ventilation (proper airflow, no mold)

• Wiring

Family room/living room

• Screens and windows

• Walls and ceiling

• Doors and frames

• Steps/staircase

• Lighting

• Electric outlets

• Thermostat

• Fireplace

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detector

Front yard

• Driveway

• Walkway

• Lighting

• Gutters

• Garage

• Lawn

Backyard

• Fencing

• Deck/patio

• Pool

• Doors

• Sheds

• Lawn

 

For this and similar articles, please visit Realtor.com