Springtime is upon us, and as warmer temperatures start to roll in, many buyers will be thinking about how they can use a home’s outdoor space. If you want to draw more attention to your listing’s outdoor features, there are some fairly simple ways to heighten their appeal. Take some helpful hints from our friends at HouseLogic:
- Create a seamless flow from indoor to outdoor. Replace a standard door opening with sliding glass or French doors, which will give the feeling of a more open passageway that integrates the indoors with the outdoors. Also, use the same weatherproof flooring, such as stone tile or scored concrete, for both the room leading to the backyard and the backyard itself. It’ll make the two areas feel connected.
- Make comfort paramount. Outdoor furniture has come a long way from the plastic cushions we once knew. Outdoor chairs and sofas should have cushions that are just as plush as any piece of furniture you’d have inside. Also, lay down outdoor rugs so your feet are just as comfortable.
- Keep it wired. Set up outdoor Wi-Fi antennas, solar USB charging stations, and wireless speakers so buyers can see how easy it is to stay connected and keep their devices fully charged while they lounge outdoors. You might even consider bringing in a weather-proof TV to help them visualize how the space could be used for both connectivity and entertainment.
- Keep it well-lit. Lighting isn’t only important for the ability to use an outdoor space at any time; it’s also important to set the mood. Sconces and pendant lights, as well as landscape solar lighting along pathways, will keep the space usable in the dark, but consider hanging fairy or string lights to give the space an enchanting tone.
- Add a feature that’s particular to the outdoors. A fire pit or an outdoor playhouse or dog run adds something outside that can’t be had inside. Having an outdoor feature that can’t be replicated inside gives buyers a specific idea of the value of the outdoor space and how they can use it.
Source: “7 Ideas to Help You Use Your Outdoor Space More,” HouseLogic
“Copyright NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Reprinted with permission”