Advice Topics
- Buying (236)
- Selling (241)
- Renting (42)
- Market News & Trends (13)
- Finance & Legal Info (104)
- Tips & Advice (102)
- Working With an Agent (59)
- Marketing (5)
- Investing (18)
- Affordable Housing (22)
- Green Housing (3)
- Schools (2)
- Remodeling (40)
- International Real Estate (8)
- Terms & Definitions (28)
- Home Loans (18)
Top Contributors (View All)
Find a Top Real Estate Agent Near You
Natural or native yards?
I have a native yard that looks great. My HOA said it's fine. Do I have to put it back to grass before I sell my house?
Asked By Seth T | Redmond, WA | 21 views | Green Housing | Updated 3 days ago
Answers (3)
Stacy Corrigan
Peace of Mind Prop Mgmt & Real Estate, Inc.
Tammy makes a great point about getting the Native yard in writing. If you're concerned about the marketability of your property you could have your agent offer converting it back as an option if you're having trouble selling. It could be a question your agent asks each prospect to ascertain local preferences. Or post a poll on social media in your area to reach a consensus. You could have a buyer who also loves your native yard and the worst is hearing that they would have preferred it after you put back the way it was. It just depends. If you need a referral to a high quality local agent lmk as have a network of agents all over the country I could refer you someone amazing. Warmly Stacy Corrigan Real Estate Broker RI, Southeastern MA, Northeastern CT
- 3 days ago
Helpful (1)
Unhelpful (0)
Tammy Allen
Tierra Antigua Realty
Get it in writing signed by the appropriate HOA representative so you have documentation that your yard was approved with the specific yard design. Just saying something isn’t enough proof- get it in writing.
- 3 days ago
- Helpful (1)
- Unhelpful (0)
Are you ready to find a top agent near you?
Browse profiles of the highest ranked agents in your area and find one that meets your specific needs.
Tricia Jacobs
REMAX Gateway
First of all, congratulations on having an HOA-approved native yard that looks great! I wish I could see a photo, I am sure its beautiful.
The short answer: No, you absolutely do not have to put it back to grass.
Selling a non-traditional yard does require a specific strategy to make sure buyers see it as a "benefit" rather than a "project."
Here is how to move forward:
Show the "Intentionality": Native yards are beautiful, but they can sometimes look "wild" to the untrained eye. Make sure yours looks deliberate. Crisp edges, defined pathways, or a fresh layer of mulch around the base of plants can signal to a buyer that this is a curated garden, not a neglected lawn.
Kudos for the HOA Approval: The fact that your HOA has already signed off on it is a huge selling point. Keep a copy of that approval and any plant lists you have. It gives the new buyer peace of mind that they won't have any legal headaches after they move in.
Interview 2–3 Real Estate Professionals: This is the most important step. You need a full-time agent who understands the value of native landscaping and knows how to "sell the story." Interview a few local pros and ask: "How will you market my native yard to show buyers the cost-savings and low-maintenance benefits?" and "Do you have experience selling homes with non-traditional landscaping?"
Create a "Cheat Sheet": Ask your agent to include a small "Why Native?" card in your marketing materials. Highlighting things like "80% less water usage" or "low maintenance" turns your yard into a financial asset in the buyer's mind.
My Advice: Your yard is a unique feature that sets your home apart from the "cookie-cutter" listings. Don't hide it! Find a local expert who is as excited about your native yard as you are. They will help you find a buyer who sees it as the "dream yard" it truly is.
If you’re not sure who to call in your area, reach out! I am not too far from you and could be interviewed this weekend after my open house in Kirkland or I can give you some excellent real estate agents to interview who are hyper local to your area. Finding the right agent is key for you, IMO.
Tricia Jacobs
Managing Broker/REALTOR®
The short answer: No, you absolutely do not have to put it back to grass.
Selling a non-traditional yard does require a specific strategy to make sure buyers see it as a "benefit" rather than a "project."
Here is how to move forward:
Show the "Intentionality": Native yards are beautiful, but they can sometimes look "wild" to the untrained eye. Make sure yours looks deliberate. Crisp edges, defined pathways, or a fresh layer of mulch around the base of plants can signal to a buyer that this is a curated garden, not a neglected lawn.
Kudos for the HOA Approval: The fact that your HOA has already signed off on it is a huge selling point. Keep a copy of that approval and any plant lists you have. It gives the new buyer peace of mind that they won't have any legal headaches after they move in.
Interview 2–3 Real Estate Professionals: This is the most important step. You need a full-time agent who understands the value of native landscaping and knows how to "sell the story." Interview a few local pros and ask: "How will you market my native yard to show buyers the cost-savings and low-maintenance benefits?" and "Do you have experience selling homes with non-traditional landscaping?"
Create a "Cheat Sheet": Ask your agent to include a small "Why Native?" card in your marketing materials. Highlighting things like "80% less water usage" or "low maintenance" turns your yard into a financial asset in the buyer's mind.
My Advice: Your yard is a unique feature that sets your home apart from the "cookie-cutter" listings. Don't hide it! Find a local expert who is as excited about your native yard as you are. They will help you find a buyer who sees it as the "dream yard" it truly is.
If you’re not sure who to call in your area, reach out! I am not too far from you and could be interviewed this weekend after my open house in Kirkland or I can give you some excellent real estate agents to interview who are hyper local to your area. Finding the right agent is key for you, IMO.
Tricia Jacobs
Managing Broker/REALTOR®
- 2 days ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Related Questions
-
Are solar panels worth the investment?
Are solar panels worthwhile? I live in Illinois where it's cloudy often in the winter. I'm also worried about putting holes in my roof. But I wonder if the cost savings is worth it? Also, does it add any value to my home?
- Asked by Mark J
- Winnetka, IL
- 832 views
- Green Housing
- Updated 3 years ago
-
Should I install energy efficient appliances before I sell?
I'm planning to sell my house this spring. Should I install energy efficient appliances before I sell? Can I sell my house for more if I do that?
- Asked by Mary
- Richmond, VA
- 935 views
- Green Housing
- Updated 3 years ago