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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.
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| Mulching and edging make a border like this of mixed shrubs look cared for and easy to maintain. |
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| 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.
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| Your home's front facade is usually its profile shot on your online listing. A clean and simple landscape like this makes it photogenic. |
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| 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.
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| One selling point of this condominium is its private backyard with an adjacent patio that's staged as a bird-watching station. |
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| Drone photography will help clients see your setting from a new vantage point. This photo shows off the hot tub.
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| It's simple to stage a pool in summer with some potted plants and some outdoor lounge chairs. Photo: Young House Love
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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.
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| If your garage needs a fresh look, there are ways to give it more style, according to what This Old House says. |
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| 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.