When I work with sellers in Myrtle Beach, one of the most common conversations we have is about timing and pricing. What gets people really excited, though, is when I share what happens when we invest in curb appeal before listing.
Here's what I've learned from years of selling homes: 77% of homebuyers say that curb appeal was at least a moderate factor in their homebuying decision, and another 14% say a lack of curb appeal is a dealbreaker. That means roughly nine out of every ten people walking up to a Myrtle Beach property have already made up their minds about how much they want to buy it before they even walk through the front door.
That's not an exaggeration. That's just reality.
The First Impression Problem
When preparing to sell a home, the exterior is often the first thing buyers notice. From landscaping and lighting to paint and walkways, curb appeal can shape how buyers perceive a property before they ever step inside. In the Myrtle Beach market where we've got beautiful beach communities but also plenty of homes that look tired after a few seasons of salt air and heat, this distinction becomes even more important.
I've seen it happen dozens of times. A buyer pulls up to a listing, sees an overgrown yard, patchy landscaping, or a dull exterior, and they keep driving. The agent inside might be showing a beautifully renovated kitchen to an empty house.
A property that looks well cared for on the outside signals that the interior has likely been maintained as well. On the other hand, overgrown landscaping, patchy grass, or peeling paint can make buyers hesitant and more critical during a showing.
The Money That Landscaping Actually Brings In
Let's talk numbers because this is where landscaping gets really interesting.
Homes with strong curb appeal—tidy landscaping, well-maintained exteriors and an inviting entryway—sell for an average of 7% more than comparable homes in the same neighborhood. Now, think about what that means for a Myrtle Beach home. If you're selling a $300,000 property, that's a $21,000 difference just from having people notice your yard instead of your neighbor's.
But here's what really surprised me when I dug into the research: well-maintained yards can increase a home's value by up to 28% and reduce time on the market by 10-15%. Even more compelling, basic lawn care, including mowing, edging, and seasonal maintenance, delivers up to 217% ROI at resale. Every dollar spent returns more than two dollars at closing.
That's the kind of return that beats most home renovations hands down. You're not getting that kind of payback from a kitchen remodel or bathroom upgrade.
Why Does Landscaping Have This Kind of Power?
Psychology plays a huge role here. Buyers frequently associate a well-maintained exterior with a home that has been cared for overall. When someone sees a beautifully landscaped front yard in Myrtle Beach, they're not just thinking about the plants. They're thinking that if the outside is this nice, the HVAC system probably works, the roof is probably good, and the foundation isn't cracked.
A well-kept exterior signals that the inside has been cared for too, which reduces the risk for buyers. Risk is what slows down sales. When buyers feel confident, offers come faster.
I also pay attention to what the research shows about buyer priorities. When it comes to home upgrades, 24% of survey respondents identified upgraded front yard packages and finished garages as the most important. Meanwhile, only 14% of respondents say that an extra 200 square feet of interior space is an important upgrade. This tells me that in today's market, people care about what they see first more than they care about square footage.
What Actually Works for Myrtle Beach Homes
Features that can positively influence first impressions include: Fresh landscaping, Clean siding and windows, Updated exterior lighting, A maintained lawn, Fresh paint or touch-ups, Clear, safe walkways. In Myrtle Beach specifically, I also tell my clients that because of our humidity and coastal weather, keeping things fresh and well-maintained is just part of the game.
The good news is that you don't need to spend a fortune. Studies suggest that an investment in landscaping can yield a return on investment (ROI) ranging from 100% to 200%. Using a well documented average increase of 7%, a home originally valued at $300,000, would see an increase of over $20,000 in value.
If you're thinking about listing your Myrtle Beach home, those numbers mean that a $5,000 landscaping investment could easily return two or three times that much. And more importantly, it could shave weeks off your time on the market.
The Reality Check
A clean, well-maintained exterior can help create stronger first impressions, improve marketability, and potentially support higher offers. I've seen this play out time and time again in our market.
When I list homes in Myrtle Beach, I always talk to my sellers about the exterior. Sometimes that means calling in a landscaper for a refresh. Sometimes it's just making sure the lawn is mowed, the mulch is fresh, and the walkway is clear. The point is that we're not leaving money on the table.
Common curb appeal projects may include: Landscaping refreshes, Mulching flower beds, Painting the front door, Power washing siding and driveways, Replacing outdated hardware or fixtures. Homes with appealing exteriors may attract more attention online and during showings. Buyers are often more willing to tour homes that appear move-in ready from the outside.
Making the Decision
If you're thinking about selling in Myrtle Beach, this is something worth taking seriously. The data shows that curb appeal is one of the most powerful tools you have. It's not flashy. It's not trendy. But it works.
I'm here to help you think through what makes sense for your specific property and our local market. Whether you're considering a full landscape redesign or just doing some strategic cleanup before listing, I can walk you through the options and what to expect.
If you want to talk through your home's potential and what we can do to maximize its appeal and value, let's connect. You can reach me through my website at https://tmg.housejet.com or feel free to contact me directly. I'd be happy to discuss your property and what landscaping investments might make sense for a faster, stronger sale.
When it comes to selling homes in Myrtle Beach, the outside matters just as much as the inside. Let's make sure your home puts its best face forward.
