How to Gain Buyers' Confidence

Tuesday, July 08, 2025

No matter how inviting your home looks after you have staged it, the buyer's professional home inspection can sabotage a sale. Understandably, buyers are cautious about going into debt and will want to be sure they are making the right choice when they purchase your home.   

To put buyers' minds at ease, consider paying for some inspections before listing. It can alert you to problems you might not have known about, it gives you a chance to fix what will bother buyers, and it helps you set a fair price for your home. 

Here are six deal-breakers that might show up on a report, and some ways you can address them. 

1. Lead paint

Was your home built before 1978? If so, it could have lead paint on its trim, window frames, and the  exterior surfaces like siding and railings. Although not all home inspectors will check for lead paint, it can pose health risks, particularly for children, and be a major issue for buyers. 

If you have an older home, like one of these 
charming 1926 Sears houses pictured here or above, 
it will have lead paint under layers of new paint. 

Lead paint can be encapsulated with a fresh coat of today's safer paints. I suggest hiring an experienced house painter who will take the necessary precautions to be sure he either removes it safely or covers it safely. If the paint is on old window frames, it could be worth it to replace the windows. 

A bigger problem could be asbestos used in home construction, and I have blogged about that. Here is the best advice about dealing with asbestos when you are selling. If your Realtor suspects you have problems with lead paint or asbestos, she'll ask you to sign a disclosure form. Note: asbestos can be in popcorn ceilings installed before 1980.  

2. Plumbing problems

Do any of your faucets have low water flow? Does your outdoor spigot leak? Do your sinks, the shower or the tub have slow drainage? These are red flags for both buyers and home inspectors. If a thorough DIY cleaning of your faucets and drains, or replacing washers doesn't do the trick, it's time to call a plumber or your favorite handyman. 

If you have a water filtration system, a water softener, or a tankless water heater, make sure you can brag about these features, too by keeping them in tip-top shape. 

A plumber can replace rusted or leaking plumbing pipes and fixtures. According to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs Value Report, a homeowner can expect a return of 60 to 70% of the investment when he upgrades plumbing systems before selling. Modern plumbing impresses buyers, even economical upgrades like new toilets and faucets.   

3. Mold or water damage

Visible mold or signs of water damage are buyer turnoffs. Mildew, wet spots, peeling or bubbling paint,  and musty odors are indications of problems that can lead to health concerns, which buyers want to avoid. And water-damaged surfaces look ugly, undermining your efforts to show yourself as a caring homeowner! 

If you want to check for mold in your home, one testing company I can recommend is Immunolytics. You'll receive a kit of test plates in the mail that you will return for testing after you expose them to the air in different rooms. It will enable you to treat the source of the problem. 

Homes built on a slab are more prone to water damage.
If your home is close to a floodplain,
buyers may want to know your elevation,
and any history of flooding. 

4. Roof issues 

For many buyers, the roof's condition is the first thing they will check to determine how well a house has been maintained. Besides its cosmetic appeal an attractive roof adds to your home, a good roof lets buyers know it won't leak or need replacing soon. For minor leaks, hire a local builder, handyman, or roofer.   

If your roof shows missing,  curled, or cracked shingles, or broken tiles, or sagging areas, it may be leaking into your home, even though you may not be aware of any water damage. Your home inspector will do moisture readings on walls to determine if there is leaking. Water can enter from the roof or from flashing or gutters. 

A new roof is impressive. If yours needs replacing, and you decide to go ahead with it, be sure to tell your listing agent. Give her details like the manufacturer and the life span of the roofing. 

Many homes show lots of roof in their profile,
and a roof is a major part of curb appeal.
Does your roof look this new and clean?

 

5. Pest infestation

Animals, when unchecked, can quickly transform your comfortable home into a battleground. Common culprits include squirrels, raccoons, and mice, but insects like ants, spiders or cockroaches are even more common. For these kinds of problems, it's best to hire an exterminator to address the pest issue and seal entry points.  

Also, consider hiring a termite inspector. If there’s any damage, repair the affected wood or replace structural components. Then, you can make this report available to a buyer, building their confidence.    

Often, damage such as scratching and chewing done by your own pets on woodwork or walls can encourage buyers to look elsewhere for their dream home. Sometimes, this kind of damage can be remedied with wood filler or spackle and paint, while other times it requires replacing trim, doors, or drywall. 

6. Foundation cracks

Poor drainage or faulty construction can cause cracks in a foundation. These can be a major concern for buyers, as it may signal structural instability. If you can't fix these cracks yourself, it's best to hire a professional to assess and repair them. If the issue is significant, consider getting an engineering report and performing necessary repairs, such as foundation underpinning or leveling. 

Drainage from downspouts or the roof, or a house
that has settled over time can
cause foundation problems like this. 

Get the look, get the book

It sounds like I am giving you lots of homework! But if you want your home to be sold for a good price, often you need to bite the bullet and make repairs. Just one surprise can discourage a potential buyer's generous offer. Get multiple quotes and rely on recommendations when hiring contractors. 

If you don't have the time or finances to do repairs, talk to your Realtor about adjusting the price of your home. Focus on your staging and addressing simple solutions like decluttering, painting, and making sure your curb appeal is great! 

When you stage, be sure to use my e-book, DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar. It will show you how simple staging can make your home sell for more money. 

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Summertime Staging-- The Essentials

Monday, June 23, 2025

It's summer, and people like to spend time outdoors. Do you want to knock the socks sandals off home buyers when they see what your outdoor spaces offer?

We hear a lot about curb appeal, but let's take a moment to consider backyard appeal. Here's a list of the essentials and some special add-ons that raise the rating for your backyard spaces.  

Places to sit

Creating an outdoor
seating area doesn't
require new or 
expensive furniture.
Photo: Apartment Therapy

An outdoor space needs at least one level area for seating. If you don't have a flat, solid surface like a porch or patio, look for a spot of level ground where you can stage some seats. Seating areas create the illusion of extra square footage. Chairs need not be pricey or plentiful. 

A comfortable outdoor seating arrangement can especially be a draw for people working from home, parents of small children, and young adults who want to entertain more at home. 

Note: It pays to rent a pressure washer if your deck, patio, porch, or walkways need a refresh.    

Cooking area 

An outdoor kitchen with a grill, sink, and maybe a small fridge is bound to add value to your home. 

Even a fire pit, portable grill, or existing fireplace gives people the idea that they can gather, entertain, or prepare food outdoors. Just sitting around any fire is cozy, and buyers know this. Consider the ways you could tap into the power of fire in your backyard space.  

Adding a chiminea to your yard creates an 
instant focal point. Photo: USNews 

Some privacy

This one is a biggie for me, and for most of us. Whether relaxing, playing, or entertaining, it feels good to escape to your own yard's privacy.  

If you have nearby neighbors and there is no landscaping to enclose your yard, there are other options. A screened porch is ideal, so if you have one, make sure it is staged to look inviting. 

Privacy screens around a patio or deck are one possible way to create instant privacy. It could be worth it to add a fence to all or some of your yard, especially if your neighbors' backyards are not as attractive as yours. And, don't ignore the potential that even a small side yard offers as a slice of privacy.  

Here's an example of a side yard that 
didn't go to waste. A path, some plants, lights,
and a table were all it took to suggest a hideaway. 

Water feature

A water feature is always both relaxing and refreshing. While not for everyone, a well-maintained pool in the backyard can be a huge selling point, even an item on the must-have list for many buyers,  especially in warmer climates.

If you already have an above-ground pool, keep it clean and enclosed as a safety feature. If the market for your home is families, a splash pad can be a perk, especially one landscaped into your yard. Another water feature that many buyers like is a hot tub, as long as it is in good condition and sparkling clean. 

Don't forget the charm of a simple, bubbling, outdoor fountain.    

A solar fountain will keep
birds interested, adding life to
your yard. Photo: Navlovesm

Cool spots

Many parts of the US are so warm during the summer months that outdoor living is not a priority. But spring and autumn could be ideal. For warmer areas, shaded spaces and a way to create a breeze will remind people on tour that pleasant outdoor living is still possible. Just the sound of an overhead fan is relaxing, so turn it on when there's a home tour. 

If shade is scarce in your seating area,
an umbrella could solve that problem.
Photo: PhiVilla 

Greenery and flowers

No outdoor landscape is complete without some living plants. Even if your tiny urban terrace has no room for potted shrubbery, containers of colorful flowers or fragrant herbs will make it memorable to people touring your property. 

Choose annuals over perennials to guarantee plenty of continuous color through the summer months. Use large containers that don't dry out too quickly. You can put a sprinkler on a timer to make it easy to keep them hydrated and happy. Use a fertilizer that promises blooms.    

I've written about the advantages of growing an herb garden as part of your landscape. 

Choose flowering annuals that 
will last the season in your area.
Follow the "thrill, fill, spill formula."
Photo: NYTimes

Get the look, get the book

If you are staging your home. I want to hold your hand. You'll benefit from all the easy, economical tips and techniques for decluttering, cleaning, and staging that I've compiled in my eBook, DIY HomeStaging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar.  Don't leave without downloading it!

Top Photo: Monica Wants It

Read more »

DIY Homestaging -- What Can Go Wrong?

Thursday, June 05, 2025

Three cheers for you if you've decided to stage your own home for the real estate marrket. 

There are plenty of good reasons to stage your own house instead of hiring a professional homestaging company. I've written about the advantages of DIY staging over professional staging.

But some people struggle with staging their own home. If that sounds like you, let's review seven problems common to people who don't stage homes on a daily basis and see what solutions are available.     

1. Emotional attachment

If you are struggling with guessing what buyers prefer to see as decor instead of what you like,  you're not alone. While there's no accounting for taste, some guidelines do exist. 

For example, professional stagers and real estate agents strongly suggest removing things like family photos, certificates and awards, political and religious items, things like a collection of memorabilia, wall posters of sports teams or celebrities, abundant refrigerator magnets, or anything else too personal or distracting.

It's not goodbye to some of your favorite possessions. They're just taking a vacation from being on display. Find places to store these things, like pretty boxes on high closet shelves, or in plastic bins under a bed.

Stage so people are envious of your
lifestyle. Photo: James Nathan Schroder

Choose colors and accessories that anyone
could like. Photo: Lauren Leonard 

Simple decor is non-distracting. Don't shun 
neutral colors and simple accessories.   

2. Limited budget

No one wants to waste money. But since staging a home can increase its sale value by as much as 30%, purchasing some services or items can pay for themselves. 

Here are three ways to help handle the expense of staging. 

If you are replacing things like older towels, throw pillows, blankets, or curtains, buy from big-box and discount stores. Discount stores and thrift stores can also be places to source wall art, mirrors, and lamps that your home is calling out for. 

Use what you have. Look around your home for furnishings that are not being used at all or not being used creatively. Are there quilts forgotten in a chest? A mirror in the attic? Vintage baskets in the garden shed or garage?  

Borrow from family or friends. If there is a coffee table or side chair you know would look stunning in your home, ask to borrow it. Does a friend have a large fake plant she'll loan to you? 

It's time to get imaginative with sources, and don't be afraid to give yourself a realistic budget. Remember that you are saving the money you would pay for a professional staging service.  

Thrift stores are treasure houses of inexpensive furniture 
perfect for staging a home on the market. Just be choosy. 

             

3. Not being objective

"I don't know where to start," is a common expression when people decide it's time to move. I always advise a seller to consult with a Realtor before making any changes. 

An experienced, local real estate agent will help you understand the current market so you don't overdo your staging or skimp on staging. She'll also know how to market your home, letting buyers know that home improvements were done by professional builders instead of "homeowner projects" that might not pass code. And she'll know to advertise your major improvements like soundproof windows as  "upgrades," not just "repairs." 

Don't be offended if your listing agent or a good friend points out flaws or clutter you may not notice because you're used to seeing them. This is not a time to be sentimental or casual about how your home looks to other people.  

4. Limited time

Prepping a home for sale takes time. You'll need to manage it so that everything gets done but you don't sacrifice your sanity. Start with a master plan -- a list of what decluttering, cleaning, and repairs need to be done. Group similar tasks. It helps to set deadlines and block out short periods of time. "Today I will spend one hour organizing the laundry room." 

If what needs to be done seems daunting, boost your confidence by recalling all the skills that you have learned during your lifetime that will help you stage your home. Get help when you need it, such as hiring a carpet cleaning service or someone to pressure wash the driveway.     

5. No "decor sense"

Don't sell yourself short. You've lived in your home and you know what makes you happy about it. Focus on what you like to look at and what others have admired. Then, simplify it and keep it clean.     

I've written about the ways that you can train your eye to distinguish good decor from what looks cheap or distracting.  By doing so, you can predict how people touring your home will judge your rooms. 

If you need tips about arranging furniture, I've written an eBook on that.   

I've also written about how you can choose color palettes that flatter and coordinate with your existing features like those handsome bathroom vanities or those beautiful granite countertops you love! 

Simple furnishings are best. Oversized vases
and artwork are your friends. Photo: Banner Day

6. No storage space

Decluttering often means removing things like excess furniture, sporting equipment, or off-season clothing. Where do you put the things that good staging says should not be taking up space or are distracting? The answer can be off-site storage. 

You're probably familiar with the adage, "It takes money to make money." If you are tightening the purse strings, now's the time to remind yourself that staged homes sell for more money than unstaged homes. They also sell 73% faster, and every day your home remains unsold costs you money in insurance, taxes, utilities, upkeep, and perhaps mortgage payments. 

There are advantages and disadvantages to using a 
storage and moving system like PODS. 

So, don't look at storage fees as wasted money. It's a bettrer system than storing boxes full of stuff in a corner of an unused bedroom or the garage, which gives the message that you are anxious to move and that you might accept a lower offer. If you have necessary belongings that are visible but don't add perceived value to your property, it will pay you to put them in temporary storage. 

7. Not a photographer

Today's home buyers begin their search online, so photos are what makes them decide which way to swipe. Most homeowners and real estate agents do not have the training, experience, and photography equipment to deliver a professional portfolio of photos for your listing. 

If you have ever been present to watch a real estate photographer shoot a home for a listing, you know that there is no comparison between what he does and what even someone who takes good pictures with her cell phone can do. The pro will have the experience and equipment to make sure the lighting is evenly distributed, that the angles are accurate and not distorted, that the colors are true and flattering.

The pro might offer you other services to help sell your property, like drone shots and virtual tours. Your Realtor will know what your competition is doing in the way of photos, but you can educate yourself by searching online for homes in your market. 

Get the look, get the book

Be sure to check my other posts about solving the problems common to DIY homestagers, like this roundup of the pros and cons of staging your own home versus hiring a professional. 

And don't leave without downloading my 155-page eBook, DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and for Top Dollar. It's guaranteed to be your bible for improving the value of your home on the market. 

Read more »

Rate Your Home with This Quiz

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Today's buyers can be choosy. Perhaps they've watched too many home makeovers on TV. Or perhaps they've saved money for years, waiting for the right time to buy their dream home. 

Is your home someone's dream home? 

Here's your list of today's most in-demand features that attract serious buyers. The more of these upgrades you can claim, the higher your score, the faster your home will sell, and the more money you'll see.     

Move-in ready

Not many people are shopping for a house that's been neglected. Most home buyers are looking for a problem-free home so they can move in directly from their previous residence. Older buyers have been down that road already. And Millennials are busy with careers and family. 

A home that looks like a DIY project  -- things like outdated appliances and paint colors, problem plumbing, a damp basement, insufficient electrical or HVAC systems, an old roof -- will attract investors or flippers who will offer you a rock bottom price. 

Staging will make your home look like a well-tended property, but you still need to fix problems that will get a black mark from a home inspector. 

Give yourself 5 points if your appliances are new-ish and convey with the property. Add 5 more if your roof is less than 5 years old, and 5 more points if your wall paint colors are neutrals in all the rooms. Add 5 more if all your plumbing is PEX, another 5 if your HVAC system is problem-free, quiet, and efficient. 

The roof of some homes takes up lots of 
space in a MLS listing photo. 
Does your roof look this good? 

Contemporary technology 

Up-to-date technology impresses buyers. They may be comparing your property to newer ones, houses that have more than just smart doorbells. 

Newer technology makes even an older home look like it is keeping up. 

Score yourself 5 points for each of these upgrades: a security system that adjusts things like lighting and interior tempertures (especially if voice-controlled), triple pane windows, a built-in electric vehicle charging station, eco-friendly water treatment, and air quality modifiers and purifiers. Extra credit for any solar energy panels or passive solar features, or micro-wind turbines.       

Outdoor living space

Americans are rediscovering the pleasures of spending time at home. Rather than go out , many would prefer to stay in for recreation and exercise, religious pursuits like meditation or prayer, eating and drinking, gardening and other hobbies, socializing and entertaining, reading and watching movies, and working from home. 

You'll be ahead of the competition if your home offers opportunities to enjoy these activites. Give yourself 5 points for a patio, porch, or deck. Add another 5 points for a family or play room, and another 5 for a home office. Add another 5 for a firepit, hammock, or outdoor seating, and another 5 for a swimming pool that's easy to maintain, such as using CO2 for pH stabilization.      

Storage capacity

Given the growing popularity of off-site storage facilities, it's obvious that most Americans have more belongings than they have the space for. If your house has storage space like an easily accessible attic, an oversized garage, a separate garden shed, a walk-in pantry, a designated laundry room, or generous closets, make sure your Realtor includes these features in your listing. Give your home 5 points for each of these storage features. 

Remember that storage areas like laundry rooms, garages, closets and she-sheds can be staged to make them look organized and inviting. 

Sometimes you can locate spaces for 
everyday storage in an entryway or hall.
Photo: Crate and Barrel

If an attic, crawl space, or other storage areas show signs where wildlife has entered and done damage that needs to be remedied. Droppings from mice, rats, bats, squirrels, and other animals pose serious health hazards and can damage your property, so make sure you've remedied any infestation. 

This garage makeover from My 100 Year Old Home gave 
the owners a recreation, laundry and storage room. 

Flexibility

Some buyers want an open floor plan, but some want the traditional one. What's more important is that your rooms can function in different ways. Of course, kitchen and baths will serve one main function. But even a kitchen can be a family's primary eating room. And a bath can be staged as a spa-like space. 

One example of a flex room is a basement that's staged as a craft room, media room, or workout space. Another is a dining room that is staged as a game room and library. 

Sometimes, a wide hallway, utility room, or stair landing can be staged with cabinetry as a storage spot. A bedroom can be staged as a home office. 

If an office in your home has a daybed as well,  it can be listed as a bedroom if it meets certain other requirements. 

Give yourself 5 points for each room in your house that is staged to show it serves more than one purpose, as long as it meets the legal standards.   

Get the look, get the book

How did your house rate for having special qualities that buyers respond to? If your score is over 100, chances are it will easily become someone's dream home soon! 

If you want to improve your chances of a quicker, more profitable sale, download my eBook, DIY Home Staging Tips To Sell Your Home Fast And For Top Dollar. You'll get all the tips and methods you need to make your home the one that buyers want. I've spent decades in real estate --  buying, rehabbing, staging, and selling-- and I want to share what I've learned with you.  

Read more »

Staging a Nursery

Thursday, May 01, 2025

Once you list your home, you never know who will buy it. Unless your Realtor says the market for your home is a certain demographic, it's always best to stage so anyone could fall in love with it. 

If you and your Realtor agree that your target market is young families, and you are currently using one bedroom as a nursery, here are some tips to make it buyer-friendly.            

Choose pastels  

As with any staging project, selecting a color palette is the best first step. 

I've blogged about pastels being a good choice for staging. I always endorse a cohesive color scheme throughout the house, even the exact same color paint on walls in all rooms. It's more economical, lets professional painters work more efficiently, and helps a house feel larger. 

Pale versions of blue, cream, green, and coral are good choices for most rooms, and they work well in a nursery. 

Colors to avoid are vivid ones like reds, purples, deep greys, and dark greens. I've blogged about my easy and foolproof method to choose a paint color.    

I would avoid painting a baby's room what many buyers would consider a "baby color" or a gender specific color, such as a pink or blue that you would not like in all the other rooms. 

A room designed for a baby can still strike a
neutral tone, the way this room suggests 
various uses. Photo: New Crown Interiors

Stage for any use 

Since many buyers are either childless or have older children, it's not to a seller's advantage to stage one bedroom specifically as a nursery unless there are four or five bedrooms in the house. If you have a three-bedroom condo with a den, consider staging one of these rooms as a nursery or children's room. 

If you are using one room in your present home already as a nursery, you'll have a crib and changing table, and possibly a rocking chair in the room. Declutter, and then try to minimize non-essentials. Then you can add pieces that hint at other uses for the room, like a desk or treadmill or daybed. 

But make it easy for buyers to envision the room as a regular bedroom, office, or playroom.

Just because it's a baby's room doesn't mean you
can't stage with sophisticated pieces like this 
elaborate antique dresser. Photo: Monica Benevidez

Decorate for grown-ups 

It's never a good idea, for safety's sake, to announce the names or ages or activities of your children when a home is on the market. Besides removing that kind of information, you should replace typical nursery art and decor with universally appealing art like landscape paintings and nature photos. 

Other decorations and furnishings common to nurseries that should be removed during staging are play tents, mobiles, oversized stuffed animals, and murals. Remind yourself that it is only temporary. 

A daybed is a natural choice for
styling a nursery because it looks
so comfortable and suggests
other uses the room can have.
Photo: The Houses of Daylesford 

Focus on the perks

Whenever you stage a room, a good question to ask yourself is, "What makes this room special?" If it's the natural lighting, be sure that window treatments allow plenty of it in. If it's the size or shape or layout of the room, keep the room clear of clutter. If it's the cabinetry or built-ins, stage them to call attention there. 

Talk to your listing agent to determine how diverse your market is. If only retirees or investors are your prospective buyers, staging a nursery isn't practical.  

Stage to show how the room can easily become whatever the next owner wants. The number of bedrooms is one of the primary ways homes are listed, and every buyer has a wish list of how many they need. Be sure your Realtor and Zillow have the correct number of bedrooms specified in the online listing.  

Get the look, get the  book

I've written about staging rooms for children. And I've written an eBook about all the other topics you need to know so that you make the most of your home sale! Go here to download my DIY Home Staging Tips To Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar. 

Top Photo: Nathan Schroder

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Checklist for the Perfect Backyard

Friday, April 11, 2025

When your home is on the market, you want it to appeal to the largest pool of buyers. A backyard is one way to do that. 

That's because a backyard serves many purposes -- different purposes to different people. To most buyers, a backyard is that important oasis and private retreat. Others value it as a place to entertain or an area for recreation. Families want a place for children to spend time outdoors, away from their electronics. For most pet owners, a backyard is on their "must-have" list. And more than ever, Americans are pursuing outdoor hobbies like gardening, keeping chickens, meditating, or bird watching.    

But often, a backyard can be a cluttered eyesore that discourages buyers. Here's your checklist to make sure your backyard is something that makes buyers want to own it.

Basic requirements 

The best backyards are ones that don't cry out for immediate work. This is especially important to first-time buyers and busy families. They don't want things like a fence or deck that has peeling paint, or shrubbery that's overgrown, or turf that's patchy. But features like tidily mulched beds, drought-resistant plants, and smart irrigation will win them over. 

Backyard privacy is a prime requirement for buyers, so if you have a fence or a mature hedge, make sure it's mentioned in the specs of your online listing. There are ways you can create small areas of privacy with lattice panels, a shade canopy, or artificial greenery screens.  

If there is a view from your backyard,
either near or far away, make it obvious.
Use the technique of "borrowed view" to
make it part of your staging.
Photo: Michael Partenio via Meredith

Also, everyone wants a flat, usable lawn. It's a must for games, playground equipment, and an above-ground pool. A patio, deck, terrace, or deck is almost essential because it's like an outdoor living room and makes your interior square footage seem larger. 

These are the must-haves. Let's look at the optional perks that add value to a backyard.  

Geenery is a must

Whether your property is large or small, urban, suburban, or rural, mature plants are important. Trees and large shrubs provide shade, privacy, and natural beauty. If there are overgrown, dead or diseased trees on your property, it's time to call a tree removal company. It could be that only some branches need to be removed to rejuvenate a tree. Make sure your tree trimmers haul off the debris. 

Smaller shrubs suggest that a home is a newer building, so if you have bare areas that make your backyard look ordinary, it might be time to install a variety of small plants like hollies, spireas, abelias, mugo pine, or boxwoods. Any garden center will help you select some that are low maintenance and inexpensive.  

How to stage your backyard

A patio or deck staged with seating will entice buyers to linger and imagine themselves as owners. Pathways and stepping stones will encourage them to explore even a small area and appreciate the sense of spaciousness. 

Outdoor seating should harmonize with 
the style of your home -- from new and
elegant to fun and funky, and everything
in between. Photo: Kimberly Gavin via Meredith

Any landscape hardscape, like a patio of concrete, pavers, natural stone, or brick, benefits from some soft touches like nearby greenery or hedges. Container plants of colorful flowers will add a homey touch. Even in winter, a patio can be staged with colorful containers of hardy evergreens. 

A grill isn't a necessity, but if you have one, make sure it is in good shape and clean. Games like cornhole or badmitten might be suitable, but avoid staging with equipment like horseshoes (unless plastic), a playset, treehouse, or trampoline, that could lead to a lawsuit for injury.

When it's impractical to install
or care for turf, sometimes gravel can
be the foundation of your patio or yard.
Photo: James Nathan Schroder via Meredith

If you are planning to fix and flip a neglected property, it could pay you to hire one landscape company like this one who will take care of everything from correcting drainage to adding sod, a patio, and any other features you think will return a profit.  

Other touches that add charm to your backyard space are garden lanterns, string lights, firepit, solar fountain, herb garden, shady pergola, picnic table, lounge chairs, hammock, or birdbath. Depending on the season, pots of colorful annuals always make for perfect outdoor staging.

A simple herb garden like this, or a raised 
bed of blooming annuals is easy to construct
with purchased, mature plants. Photo: The Spruce

 Get the look, get the book

Prepping your backyard for the real estate market is similar to the way commercial properties need to be planned. Both require plantings that are attractive all year and don't require much maintenance to keep them looking good.

Whatever you invest in improving your backyard will return dividends when you sell. Your backyard can be The Thing that tempts buyers to choose your home over other properties they've viewed.

Be sure to go here to read about and download my homestaging eBook, DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar. You'll learn all the secrets that professional stagers use to make homes irresistible to buyers. Don't wait while other sellers scoop up all the motivated buyers!

Read more »

Tempt Buyers with Your Outdoor Style!

Monday, March 17, 2025

The wish list a homebuyer has in his mind usually specifies the number of bedrooms and baths. But often high on these lists are other items -- outdoor amenities like a screened porch, a fenced yard, a great view, a double garage, a pool, space for a garden, or a large patio. 

If your home has any of these features, be sure buyers notice. Stage them to make them as obvious and appealing as possible! 

Landscape

Probably no wish list is going to include "beautiful landscaping," but if you groom your yard at selling time, it could be what reins in a purchase offer faster. 

If there's one word to describe how a landscape should look when a home is on the market, it's "manicured." It should not look so immaculate that it resembles Disney World, but it needs to appear well-maintained. 

Before your Realtor schedules the photographer's visit, you'd be smart to pay for a lawn service to take care of any overgrown trees and shrubs, and clear away any debris. If your home is listed in a season when the landscape is not at its peak, perhaps you can provide your listing agent with photos of your yard when it's in its prime.   

Mulching and edging make a
border like this of mixed shrubs 
look cared for and easy to maintain.  

An outdoor feature like a fountain or
a simple herb garden, rock garden or 
succulent garden, make a landscape more 
interesting. Photo: IntimateLivingInteriors

Front entrance

Your front facade is like the anchor of your curb appeal. Stage our entrance area to make it obvious and cheerful. That can call for something colorful, unique, or whimsical. It's an opportunity to emphasize local traditions and style. Avoid anything controversial, like political signs or doormats that use rude or obscene words. 

If you have hardscape like a paved driveway, concrete or brick paths, or a poured patio, now's the time to pressure wash these areas. Pressure washing vinyl or fiber cement siding makes your house look new. Products like Spray & Walk Away make cleaning vinyl railings and shutters easy.

Your home's front facade is usually its profile
shot on your online listing. A clean and simple
landscape like this makes it photogenic. 

A shaded front porch with a comfortable wicker chair
and a floral wreath makes this entrance extra charming.  

Back yard

Backyards are where homeowners go to relax and entertain. Outdoor living space increases the value of your home, and spaces like screen rooms, decks, and patios cost less per square foot than interior rooms but make any house look and feel larger! 

Home buyers envision themselves moving up the ladder of success with their home purchase. A pool can be a status symbol or a necessity. In some areas and in some neighborhoods and with some families, a swimming pool is essential. One of my neighbors says his backyard pool keeps his teenage boys at home rather than "getting into trouble." Other people want a pool for the exercise it offers, or the ability to be outdoors and stay cool. 

If your property includes a pool, it's bound to be the focal point of your yard. Keep it in perfect repair, extra clean, and prepared for whatever season your home is for sale. Having it professionally serviced will add to its allure, keep it healthy, save repair costs, and extend its life.     

One selling point of this condominium
is its private backyard with an adjacent
patio that's staged as a bird-watching station.

Drone photography will help clients see
your setting from a new vantage point.
This photo shows off the hot tub.  

Imagine the delight when people touring
homes on the market step into this
outdoor area with a view. The seating says,  
"Stay a while, and imagine living here!"

It's simple to stage a pool 
in summer with some potted plants
and some outdoor lounge chairs.
Photo: Young House Love

In snowy winter months, your pool service
company can keep your pool looking like
the asset it is. Photo: Latham   

Garage

There was a time when a garage was just a place to park the family car and have a workbench for home repairs. That's history! Today, people use their garages for home gyms, offices, hobby areas, man caves, or storage. No matter how you're utilizing your garage, now is the time to streamline it to show its spaciousness and versatility, even if that means storing some things offsite temporarily. 

The popularity of a backyard storage building is skyrocketing in America. If you own one, make sure it is mentioned in your MLS listing and included in the photographs. You may not be able to stage it like a pretty She Shed or the ultimate Game Room, but you can make it look as spacious as possible for showings by decluttering and organizing it.  

If your garage needs a fresh look,
there are ways to give it more style,
according to what This Old House says.

Kristi at Addicted2Decorating gave her
backyard workshop a cottage look with 
her own DIY touches like a brightly
painted door, wooden steps, a pergola,
shutters, and window boxes.  

Get the look, get the book

Buyers often decide which house to buy based on one selling feature they love -- features like that pool, spacious patio, or extra garage! Be the seller who tempts buyers with your outdoor extras. Your staging should reflect the neighborhood style while introducing unique elements that make your home on the market memorable.

Get all the advice you need to homestage your own property. You can do it! Just follow the advice I've  learned from decades in the real estate, home improvement, and staging field. Download your copy here of  DIY Home Staging Tips To Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar.

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