Want to Add Real Value to Your Home? Start Outside.

You want to add real value to your home? Forget the fancy kitchen remodel for a second—because one of the smartest investments you can make is actually outside your front door.

Charlie Munger, Warren Buffett’s longtime business partner, once said the best investment you can make is landscaping. His advice was simple:

“Spend money on trees, and you get it back triple.”

And Munger wasn’t exaggerating.

Back in the 1960s, during his real estate projects, Munger discovered that homes with lush landscaping and great curb appeal sold faster and for more money—long before buyers ever stepped inside. In one of his developments, he turned a $100,000 investment in landscaping into $1.4 million in added value. That’s not just good taste—it’s good business.

And modern data backs him up. Studies from Virginia Tech and the American Society of Landscape Architects found that attractive, well-designed landscaping can increase a home’s value by 15% to 30%.

On the flip side, poor or neglected landscaping can drag a property’s value down by as much as 30%. That’s a massive swing for something that doesn’t require knocking down walls or redoing plumbing.

But it’s not just about looks. Landscaping signals care, quality, and pride of ownership. Buyers feel it the second they pull up. A beautifully maintained yard, trimmed hedges, and mature trees tell a story about how the home has been cared for. And in real estate, first impressions matter.

Think about the last time you were browsing homes online. Which listings caught your eye first? The ones with clean, green, inviting outdoor spaces almost always stand out—even before you click to see the kitchen or the living room.

So, if you’re thinking about where to spend your money before selling—or you just want to grow your home’s value over time—invest in curb appeal. Plant trees, refresh the mulch, edge the walkways, add lighting, and keep your lawn looking sharp.

Those small, consistent improvements not only make your home more enjoyable while you live there but also pay off when it’s time to sell.

If you have any questions about buying, selling, or boosting your home’s market value, give us a call or slide into the DMs. We’d love to help you figure out where your next smart investment should be—whether that’s in trees, turf, or a new set of keys.