Attract Buyers With Outdoor Rooms

Create appealing outdoor living spaces to set your house apart from the competition and create the emotional connection that turns a visitor into a buyer.

Outdoor living spaces are important extensions of your house that can create an emotional connection with buyers and a strong desire to enjoy the quality of life they offer. These outdoor rooms also can make your house look larger, and set it apart from the competition. Unfortunately, many sellers don’t appreciate the marketing opportunities outdoor spaces offer, so they become an afterthought and the resting place for mismatched furniture and accessories, sick plants and worn items that have no other home. Don’t make this mistake! Here are some ideas to inspire you.

Creating Appealing Spaces

• Suggest a use for each space, such as entertaining, or a quiet spot to read the paper and enjoy the garden.

• Treat outdoor spaces as an extension of adjoining rooms. A patio outside the master suite should harmonize with the interior décor.

• Create a focal point for each space, such as a view or seating area.

• Coordinate outdoor furniture and décor with the architecture of the house.

• Limit the styles of furniture used in each area.

• Store inexpensive plastic or aluminum furniture.

• Coordinate all colors with the paint on the house.

• Arrange furniture to accommodate traffic patterns and create conversation groups.

• Position furniture to avoid blocking interior light or disrupting a view from inside.

• Add impact with colorful pillows or an outdoor rug to define the space.

• Avoid small decorative accessories so the emphasis is on the house and the landscaping.
• Install a fountain to create relaxing background “music”. 
• Use flowers in containers, but limit the number of colors for a simple overall impression.
• Create privacy and reduce noise by planting trees and evergreen shrubs.
  

Caring for Outdoor Rooms

• Keep outdoor spaces free of dirt, spider webs, pollen, dust, leaves and debris.
• Pressure-wash decks, patios and walkways.
• Keep screens and windows clean.
• Touch up the exterior paint or repaint.
• Store hoses and garden equipment neatly and out of sight.
• Hide pool and spa accessories.
• Store toys, barbeque and sports equipment.
• Groom and water container plants.  
• Keep furniture clean so visitors will sit down and enjoy the ambience.
  

Smart Selling Tip:
Presenting your outdoor spaces at their most appealing can create a strong desire to enjoy the wonderful quality of life they offer, and transform a visitor into a buyer.