Why are you Ignoring Your Curb Appeal? Follow These Must-Do Tips to Improve Your Back Yard Appeal
When you’re getting ready to put your house on the market, the back yard is probably on the bottom of the list of things to repair or spruce up. Without a doubt, the home interior and front yard are important, but the trend toward outdoor living spaces is shifting the home buyer’s focus toward looking at the curb appeal of the back yard, too.
Not only are outdoor living rooms on the porch or patio becoming more popular, but homeowners are also looking to create a space for gardening and play spaces for family and/or pets.
If the back yard isn’t a place where you want to spend some time, it is doubtful a buyer will either. To get the back yard market ready doesn’t mean you will need to install the latest high tech outdoor kitchen or every piece of outdoor furniture available in the outdoor supply store, but it will be helpful for prospective buyers to see the potential available in the back yard.
Clear clutter and put away garden tools and yard decorations that are worn. Remove decorations that appeal to a small segment of the population. Potential buyers may not share your enthusiasm for plastic pink flamingos.
A back yard that looks like it takes a lot of work to maintain will probably scare away potential buyers. Fertilize and control weeds before putting the house on the market. If the back yard lacks plant life, you may want to consider low maintenance plants -- annuals provide a quick pop of color and are relatively inexpensive. Trees and hedges may need a light trimming, but not so much as to compromise the privacy they provide.
The lawn and garden aren’t the only things that need upkeep in the back yard. If you have a pool, patio or deck, those will need your attention, also. A pool, especially in warm areas of the country, can add value to the home, but it needs to be in good shape. Any stains and crumbling of the pool interior needs to be repaired before putting the house on the market. Pressure clean or repair the pool deck or wood fence, if needed.
Staging the pool area should also be considered. Accessorizing the pool to reflect the mood of your neighborhood can be part of the staging process: if your neighborhood is kid friendly, float an inflatable toy or raft in the pool; in upscale neighborhoods, float candles or flowers.
Because of the popularity of the indoor-outdoor living trend, depending on the size of the yard, think about creating separate distinct areas: a dining area that would include a table and chairs, ready for an outdoor meal; a cozy area, think chairs around a fire pit; a small relaxing area with a hammock or bench; a vegetable garden; and also keep an open area to show space for play for kids or pets. To make the area even more attractive, consider setting out a drinks dispenser with glasses near the lounge chairs.
Getting your home ready to sell includes maintenance and repairs inside and outside. Staging, small upgrades, and minor maintenance to your back yard can create an outdoor oasis that will set you apart from other homes on the market and appeal to potential new buyers.
################################
Presented by Joe Bornstein, Broker, Rock Springs Realty, Apopka, FL, Cell # (407) 252-8092, Joe@rockspringsrealty.com, www.rockspringsrealty.com. If you are considering selling your home in Apopka, Orlando, or anywhere in Central Florida, feel free to call me for a no-cost consultation on how to maximize your sale price. Are you curious to your home's value? Follow this link to get an instant home value report: https://www.rockspringsrealty.com/cma/property-valuation/
