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How to Stage Your Outdoor Living Space for Buyers

By
Home Builder

When selling a home, proper staging is essential if you want to attract buyers. Many homeowners focus on the inside and making sure it's clean. Yet, the outside of your home is just as important. Well-designed patios might add as much as 8-10% to your home value, so it’s time to make the most of that investment.

 

Here are six tips for staging your outside living space.

1. Do Some Decluttering

The first thing you want to do is declutter the space. You only want to have furniture and a few simple pieces of decor. Remove any non-essential items, such as kids' toys. Store these inside your garage or shed. Remove lawn ornaments, allowing buyers to imagine how they would decorate the space.

 

Use minimal furniture that is spread out to allow for walkable pathways. If you have enough space, add different sections, such as seating or an outdoor kitchen. These can help buyers visualize a backyard that’s perfect for entertaining.

2. Clean the Space

Once you have the clutter removed, it's time to start cleaning. A well-maintained yard enhances its curb appeal. It can also assure homeowners the rest of your home is taken care of. Start by dusting and pressure washing the exterior of the house. Also, make sure to clean the concrete and the deck if you have one.

 

Make sure you remove any cobwebs or dead bugs between the siding panels. When cleaning the patio, use a mix of warm water and detergent.

3. Maintain Your Yard

Walk around your yard and pull out any weeds from walkways or flower beds. Try to use weed killers in a targeted fashion if you want to prevent them from resprouting. This will make your backyard look more visually appealing.

 

Here are a few flowers to add to your garden:

 

  • Astrantia
  • Angelonia
  • Allium
  • Aster
  • Azalea

 

Add fresh, colorful flowers to your garden to enhance the curb appeal. You can even add a few potted plants for extra decor. You can place them next to chairs or on tabletops. In addition, have your grass freshly mowed and trim your trees. Make sure to cut down branches close to the house to ensure safety during heavy wind or snowstorms.

4. Have Neural-Colored Decor

Lots of colorful furniture can make a space feel overwhelming. Plus, some homeowners may be opposed to stronger hues. Neutrals like whites and grays are safer choices that are more calming. It also allows you to accent the space with colorful pieces, such as an outdoor rug or seat pillows.

 

When choosing furniture, provide plenty of seating options, such as benches and chairs. You can even get more creative by adding a hammock. Add amenities like a pool table or grill to help buyers visualize the perfect party space.

5. Pay Attention to More Than Just the Patio

Once you have cleaned and staged the patio area, look out farther into the yard. Make sure additional features, like fences and pools, are in good condition. Repair any broken or damaged parts of the fence. You could even add a fresh coat of paint to make the yard stand out even more.

 

If you have a pool, make sure it's cleaned and treated. Remove any floating toys or leaves. Also, sheds are excellent for extra storage. Just ensure yours is in good shape and the landscape around it is well-maintained.

6. Increase the Ambiance With Lighting

Lighting can brighten up the space and create a welcoming atmosphere. It’s also perfect for late-night gatherings and romantic evenings with your partner. Place them along fence lines or underneath an umbrella. You might consider adding multiple types of lighting, such as string lights or floodlights. You can even illuminate a pathway with step lights.

 

You can also improve the ambiance with fresh-smelling flowers or water features. Having an outdoor firepit can also entice potential buyers.

Tips for Staging Your Backyard

Many homeowners spend lots of time getting the inside of their house ready for buyers. This can lead them to neglect the outside. Yet, this spot is just as important – so, follow these tips to stage an appealing outdoor living space.

Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello James and thank you for a great blog post to share with us today in the Rain.  Make it a great day!

 

Mar 29, 2022 08:28 AM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello James White very valuable report about how to stage an outdoor living space for buyers.

Mar 29, 2022 08:30 PM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Great information.   Thanks for sharing and make it a wonderful day!

Jun 27, 2022 07:05 AM