If you're getting ready to sell your home, you're probably thinking about things like painting, planting flowers, or power washing the driveway. These are smart moves, but there's one upgrade many homeowners overlook: landscape lighting.

Lighting may not be the first thing that comes to mind when prepping a home for sale, but it can make a real difference in how your property is perceived especially in a place like the Coachella Valley, where many showings and open houses happen after dark.

How Lighting Affects First Impressions

According to the National Association of Realtors, curb appeal plays a major role in how quickly a home sells and how much buyers are willing to pay. Outdoor lighting is a subtle but powerful part of that equation.

Here’s what well-designed lighting does for a property:

• Makes the home feel safer and more welcoming

• Highlights architectural and landscape features

• Creates atmosphere for twilight showings or photography

These are things that can influence a buyer’s emotional response before they ever walk through the front door.

🔗 Want to see examples? View our recent lighting projects

Lighting and Resale Value: What the Data Says

There’s real evidence that lighting can add measurable value to a home.

The Remodeling Impact Report by NAR and NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals) found that landscape lighting has one of the highest satisfaction scores among outdoor upgrades and offers a cost recovery of 50% or more in resale value.

Source: NALP Report on ROI from Outdoor Features

Angi, a trusted home services site, also reports that outdoor lighting is one of the most requested upgrades among sellers looking to boost curb appeal. It’s frequently listed alongside power washing, fresh mulch, and new house numbers as a top return-on-investment feature.

Source: Angi – Outdoor Lighting Guide

Why Lighting Matters Even More in the Desert

Evening tours are common in cities like La Quinta, Palm Desert, and Rancho Mirage—especially in warmer months. Without lighting, many homes lose their visual presence after sunset. That includes:

• Walkways and entry points

• Palm trees, hedges, and garden beds

• Patio and pool zones

Thoughtful lighting in these areas makes the home easier to navigate and more appealing to experience. It also helps outdoor living spaces feel like an extension of the home.

Curious how this looks in practice? Here’s how we approach lighting design

What to Focus On Before Listing

If you're considering lighting as part of your pre-sale plan, here are a few areas worth paying attention to:

• Pathways and driveways: These should feel safe and clearly defined.

• Entry lighting: A warmly lit front door creates a strong sense of welcome.

• Accent lighting for trees or architecture: Helps create visual depth in photos and in person.

• Patios or backyard zones: Outdoor living space is a major selling point in this region, especially at night.

The goal isn’t to overdo it. It’s to use light where it adds clarity, function, and visual appeal.

If you’re preparing to list and want input, you can reach us here

Final Thought

Landscape lighting won’t make or break your sale—but it can tip the scales. When done well, it shows care, elevates curb appeal, and makes your home more memorable. In a competitive market, small details like this make a real difference.