| The Phoenix, Arizona real estate market is a | | | | One solution to this problem is to consider planting |
| competitive one, and you want to make sure that your | | | | native plants. Beautiful and hearty, these plants are |
| home stands out. A good place to start is with your | | | | designed to survive in extreme conditions. Most desert |
| home's curb appeal. | | | | plants don't require any watering during winter months, |
| Curb appeal refers to your home's exterior | | | | and in the summer, only need to be watered about |
| appearance. Good curb appeal is essential when selling | | | | once a week. Fertilizer not a concern, as these plants |
| your home. It is the first thing that potential buyers see, | | | | have adapted specially for this environment. |
| so it can have a major impact on who views your | | | | Not only will having a garden filled with native species |
| house, and who doesn't. The more people view your | | | | be much easier to handle in terms of maintenance, but |
| house, the more chance you have of getting a sale. If | | | | also their appearance complements the Arizona |
| the outside of your house is in disarray or is uninviting, | | | | aesthetic. Show pride in your area by displaying some |
| potential buyers will drive on by, never giving your | | | | of the flora and fauna that make the desert such a |
| home a chance. First impressions count, so make sure | | | | unique place to live. For potential home buyers, and in |
| that you send the right message to buyers. | | | | particular those relocating from out of state, having |
| One easy way to improve curb appeal is to give your | | | | native trees, shrubs, and flowers will only add to the |
| house a fresh coat of paint. Nothing rejuvenates a | | | | special flavor and beauty of your home. |
| house quicker than new paint. Also, make sure that | | | | In addition to looking good, planting native plant life also |
| your driveway is in good repair, and that your | | | | has the added benefit of being good for the |
| entranceway is easily accessible and free of all debris. | | | | environment. Water requirements are low, and local |
| Always put toys, tools, and garbage away to give | | | | species of hummingbirds, butterflies, and other wildlife |
| your yard a tidy and welcoming appearance. | | | | will find food and sanctuary that they may not find in |
| After you've taken care of the basics like touching up | | | | gardens with foreign vegetation. Of course, these tiny |
| paint and doing repairs, it's time to focus on the garden. | | | | visitors will also turn your desert garden into an |
| Cut back any imposing brush, remove any weeds or | | | | enchanting oasis. |
| dead plants, and be sure to keep the lawn cut. | | | | A well maintained garden can add approximately 10% |
| When planning their gardens, many homeowners in | | | | to the value of your home. Surrounding yourself with |
| Arizona choose plant life that is not native to the area. | | | | nature is known to ease your stress levels and make |
| While these plants are cheap and readily available in | | | | your home a welcome retreat after a long day. |
| garden centers, the plants themselves are not | | | | Buyers in the Phoenix area greatly appreciate gardens, |
| equipped to live in the desert. They require much more | | | | and in particular, ones that require minimum effort to |
| upkeep, with constant watering being necessary for | | | | maintain. By focusing your attention on native plant |
| most of them to stay alive. Water restrictions can | | | | species, you will get the best of both worlds: easy |
| make it very difficult to keep the vegetation alive and | | | | upkeep, and a beautiful exterior that is inviting and |
| thriving. | | | | unique. |