Staging Outdoor Spaces...what is your take?

If the area is already highly populated (not the first home in the neighborhood kind of thing) & will be regularly manned then we will often do one or two outdoor spaces.  Unfortunately there is a strong chance that outdoor furniture can be stolen, so it is usually low on our list of priorities (unless it is difficult to get to).

Hi Amber,  Great question.  We only do patio or front porch spaces if the client requests it, we don't offer it for a couple of reasons.  The biggest reason is that we have had things stolen - right off the front porch!!!  Also, if the patio furniture isn't fairly heavy, it gets blown over by the wind, not a good impression when prospective buyers stop by to take a look.  And don't even think about using a glass topped patio table.  They will always look messy as they collect water and leaves/pine needles (in the Pacific Northwest).  Use a wrought iron table top that the water can go right through.  Our solution has been to purchase patio furniture at garage sales where it is cheap enough that it's not a huge loss if it's gets stolen.  And, it will get weathered.  Just my two cents.

Hello Amber-  Here in Florida, we get requests for this and unless the client already has existing patio furniture which we can use, I do not advise it.  I will do a once-over look and remove items which might make the area cluttered up if necessary....and actually, two weeks ago removed a dried snake skin (from a snake's shedding activity....ewww!) . This 'clutter of sorts' was not making a good impression lying on the ground outside my staged guest bedroom slider door so I removed it.  : )  Things we do......

PS-All the above reasons are valid and clients heed our advice when it comes to 'theft', weather etc...the level of theft is high in the new construction areas nearby. So much so, that the builders often do not install the appliances until the home is closed!!  

Regards-Kathleen G

LOL...I think I should receive 'hazard pay' for that one!!  : )

Amber, you have gotten great feedback so far and I agree with it all! I do stage screened in porches, or decks, especially if they have a view. Or, if the interior room feels small, then I feel that staging the outside area shows more living space...like a porch off of a master suite, or deck off a small living room. In South Carolina, most people have some sort of out door space they use!