Curb appeal matters.
Not only is it crucial in earning drive-by interest, sellers need to give today’s scroll-happy digital homeshoppers a reason to click through.
That was the impetus behind Tilly, a digital landscaping tool for sellers to use when on the market and for buyers to implement once moved in.
Company literature claims that professional landscape design can add 7-13 percent to a home’s value. A 2016 Turf reader survey reported that “the value added by a landscape upgrade from average to excellent increases a home value by 10 to 12 percent.”
Bottom line: There isn’t a listing anywhere that won’t show better when its landscaping is upgraded.
Unlike BoxBrownie’s fully computerized renderings, Tilly’s intent is to translate the digital version into real life by connecting with local designers and professionals.
Listings agents can use Tilly to create ready-to-go plans for handing off to buyers or to entice sellers to update things before hitting the market. Buyer’s agents can use it in a similar fashion.
The company offers real estate-specific staging services that entail video consults, detailed photos, onsite botanical staging and design plans with specific plant recommendations that can be offered as part of the sale.
Using smartphone video, some questionnaires and basic measurements, Tilly can deliver 3D renderings, lighting plans, front or backyard layouts, patio do-overs, and comprehensive whole-home exterior makeovers within three to five days.
Example of Tilly client’s home
The launch of Tilly’s real estate-focused plans was the result of feedback from individual agents who have used it on their own to help clients.
The company also looks to partner with agents in new-construction scenarios to help new homes stand apart and encourages agents to use Tilly services as a closing gift, which is way better than a gift card.
The tech-forward solution was founded by four high-school friends, one of whom holds a degree from Cornell in landscape architecture.
By leveraging video calls and streamlined online communications, the team is able to deliver services nationwide at a much lower cost than most local landscape design services that often dramatically mark-up soft costs.
Tilly plans range from $75 for a consult to $675 for “The Full” plan.
Although Tilly’s online services are available wherever there is Wi-Fi, the company does deploy its own landscaping teams in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
There are plans to grow that end of the business as well.
Have a technology product you would like to discuss? Email Craig Rowe
