By Joy Gebarah, Owner of Kernvestors
(Flipped 100+ homes across California)
When most people think about preparing a home to sell, their minds go straight to kitchens, bathrooms, paint, or flooring. Those updates definitely matter, but after flipping over a hundred homes across California, I’ve learned something surprising: landscaping is one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to influence how quickly a property sells.
Even in competitive markets like Bakersfield, small exterior improvements can dramatically change how buyers feel before they ever step through the door. And although Kernvestors Naturally Buys houses in Bakersfield and other cities in California in any condition, I always tell homeowners this—if you want higher interest from traditional buyers, start with the yard.
Why Landscaping Matters More Than You Think
Curb appeal is the very first impression, and first impressions are emotional. A buyer will form an opinion within seconds, long before they evaluate square footage or finishes. A clean, organized, and well-kept yard suggests that the home has been cared for inside as well.
It doesn’t require a huge investment. In fact, many of the fastest wins cost less than a nice dinner.
1. Clean Up and Simplify
The cheapest and most effective landscaping upgrade is simply removing everything unnecessary:
– Dead grass
– Weeds
– Old mulch
– Overgrown bushes
– Clutter (garden tools, toys, old pots, etc.)
A cleaned yard looks twice as inviting instantly. I’ve seen properties sit on the market for weeks, only to get immediate activity after a basic cleanup.
2. Add Contrast With Fresh Mulch
Mulch is the secret weapon. It is inexpensive, fast to install, and makes everything look intentional. Dark brown or black mulch creates contrast against the house, which photographs extremely well. Buyers scroll online first—contrast makes them stop.
3. Choose Plants That Survive California Weather
You don’t need a full landscape design. Just a few hardy, low-maintenance plants can soften the yard and signal “easy to maintain.”
Some of the best options include:
– Rosemary
– Lavender
– Olive trees
– Agave or other succulents
– Dwarf grasses
4. Create Simple, Clean Borders
Defining plant beds or pathways helps the yard feel organized. You can use:
– Stone edging
– Simple plastic borders
– Decomposed granite pathways
Straight lines and clean edges always look more modern.
5. Treat the Front Door Like a Focal Point
Buyers naturally gravitate toward the entry. A few small upgrades make the home feel newer:
– New doormat
– Cleaned or repainted front door
– Potted plants
– Updated house numbers
– Fresh porch light
Final Thoughts
While Kernvestors is a Company that Specializes in Buying houses in Bakersfield CA, and while we buy houses in Bakersfield in any condition, I still tell homeowners this truth: you don’t have to spend much to make your home more appealing. A few hours of yard work and a small investment is usually enough to boost interest and help a home sell quicker.
