Staging the Not so Great Outdoors

In the buyers’ eyes, outdoor living is also part of a home’s square footage.  How it complements their lifestyle is a big factor in whether they make an offer and how much that offer will be. In fact, industry statistics show that the backyard is a key “money room” to stage to maximize equity and sell faster.

Here are some tips on how to stage small backyards and paint a living large picture for buyers.

Scale back on furniture. It may offer more seating but will actually make the space appear smaller, which is a huge drawback. Remove a piece or two or opt for modular furniture, with movable sections, for more flexibility and creativity in placement. Make sure the layout is friendly to conversational seating.

Keep the possibilities open.  Let buyers imagine what they can do with the space. For example, a growing family will be drawn to an open yard that offers room for pets, backyard games, or a playscape. Those Adirondack chairs or chaise lounges with side tables on the lawn, for example, might actually be taking up valuable real estate.

Continue the curb appeal. It doesn’t stop at the front. Carry it back where buyers envision the indoor-outdoor living potential. Don’t just blow and mow. Add pops of color with potted flowers, mulch, and new cushions and pillows to add some depth and wake up a sleepy space.  

Play up or create a focal point. Add flowy drapery, and some battery-operated string lights and/or paper lanterns to that pergola or trellis. Create an herb or succulent garden with window boxes or vertical wall planters. Add an outdoor rug and floor pillows to define the space as a bonus entertaining and gathering room. If there is a dining table, complement it with place settings and a nature-inspired tablescape.

Avoid outdoor décor overkill. As with indoor staging, decluttering and depersonalization is a must. That means minimizing the gnomes, birdhouses, crafts, garden animals, outdoor tchotchkes, and the like. Too much of these crowds a small space and could be seen as just junky.

–Mar

photo:@cameronsmith