Thinking about putting your home on the market? Don’t neglect your outdoor space while making improvements indoors as well. Your home’s exterior and the backyard are important in drawing the eyes of potential buyers and making your home as appealing as possible. Here, RISMedia suggests some modern trends in outdoor living that will entice today’s buyers.
1. Outdoor structures
Outdoor structures such as a storage shed can make the back yard, and even the front yard in some homes, more functional, while a gazebo or pergola can provide more outdoor living space. These outdoor structures boost the function, and therefore increase your home’s value.
2. Privacy in outdoor spaces
Today, the outdoor space is an extension of the home. People are moving indoor furniture outdoors, adding fireplaces and even installing TVs. Yet, when they are relaxing outside, individuals want a measure of privacy. No one wants to be gawked at when enjoying a drink and watching the game after a long day at work. If possible, add some privacy to a pergola by installing walls or choose an enclosed gazebo.
3. Outdoor kitchen
The modern outdoor kitchen includes more than just a grill and a picnic table. An outdoor sink, range and even oven can make your home more inviting. Of course, you will need to weigh the costs of this upgrade against the potential benefits; but if you have a great outdoor entertaining space, consider adding an outdoor kitchen to attract potential buyers.
4. Outdoor lighting
Outdoor lighting appeals to buyers for numerous reasons. First, it improves the function of the space, making it easier to enjoy an outdoor living space even after dark. A well-lit deck lends itself to summer barbecues and parties that continue after midnight. Outdoor lighting also helps attract buyers by making the home more visible when they drive by the property, even if they drive by after dark. Good outdoor lighting will make the home inviting at all times of day. It also helps improve the security of the property, which may be important to select buyers.
5. Low-maintenance landscaping
A lush, yet high-maintenance, garden might keep your home from selling, as many buyers are busy and do not have the time it takes to tend a garden. When upgrading your landscaping, go as low-maintenance as possible, while still ensuring that the home is attractive. Perennials that grow well in your area can add a splash of color, but don’t need to be replanted year after year. Mulch or rock can keep weeds at bay while giving the space a finished look. Automatic watering systems help ensure the plants have enough moisture to thrive, without requiring the owner to keep track of watering schedules. Don’t forget to add stone walkways and decorative items to improve the aesthetics of the space.
6. Natural wood and stone
Natural wood and stone features on the home—even if they are made from faux materials such as vinyl—will attract the modern buyer. This design trend can make an outdated home look modern on the exterior, causing more buyers to stop and schedule a showing. It also can boost the appeal of a modern home by helping it to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
7. Fire pits or fireplaces
If you have a modest budget, but want to add an outdoor feature that will increase your home’s potential value, consider installing a fire pit or outdoor fireplace. You can even do this as a do-it-yourself project if you have time. A fire pit provides a comfortable, logical place for outdoor entertaining or simply enjoying s’mores together as a family.
8. Permanent seating
Many homeowners pull out all the stops when it comes to building decks, patios and outdoor entertaining spaces, but forget the most important part—seating. Consider a permanent, built-in seating option, such as a bench built into the deck or a picnic table that stays with the property.
Remember, today’s buyers still have plenty of houses from which to choose. As you prepare yours for the market, be sure to think like a buyer and add features that will make the home as appealing as possible.