Staging Outdoor Space Brings Value

Time and time again prospective homebuyers are walking right through the house I’m holding open to look at the back yard. Think of your outdoor spaces as an extension of your home. Having extra usable square footage, regardless where it is located, can be very enticing to prospective buyers. We want prospective buyers engaged when viewing a home for sale right when they pull up to the curb throughout and to the backyard.
Home design style is expanding to the outdoor living area this year and, with warm weather approaching, it’s important to stage your home with those design trends in mind. According to 2013 surveys from the National Association of Home Builders, prospective home buyers want a home’s living space to extend outdoors. This is especially true in Orange County where we are able to enjoy year-round outdoor entertaining. Those who are shopping for a home expect to see outdoor spaces that offer the feeling and function of indoor rooms.

Dining alfresco (outdoors) is a regular occurrence for many. Buyers often attribute positive feelings when seeing outdoor home spaces that include cushion-covered seating and elements of indoor style – rugs, candles, and decorative elements – included on patios, decks and in courtyards.

People like being out in the open, but they crave privacy. Survey respondents indicate they want a potential home’s outside living and entertaining space to include privacy screens. They especially appreciate outdoor spaces screened from the neighbors by shades or curtains made with material that is designed to withstand the weather, free-standing screens, lattice, or large potted plants. The exterior and patio furnishings should be clean and colorful to add color and keep with the outdoorsy appeal.

Integrate what you enjoy into the design and function of your backyard space but consider the wider market place. Taste varies from home to home but many enjoy outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, outdoor pizza ovens, and bocce ball or horseshoe areas. Because outdoor living spaces are top-of-mind for people in the market for purchasing a home, we try to make sure those spaces are able to be viewed from inside the home. Pull back curtains or raise shades to give prospective buyers an intriguing view and invitation to step outside and spend more time envisioning themselves living there.

Call the Stovall Team when you have questions about getting your home ready to sell. We are here to assist you whether you plan to put your home on the market within a week or a couple years from now. Contact us. We can design a plan to help you net more money for your home than our competition. Call Steve at 714.393.5377 or Micah at 714.343.9294.

By Micah Stovall