gmhTODAY 09 gmhToday July Aug 2016 | Page 51

see Outdoor Trends Th at Attract Buyers I t is important to draw a buyer’ s eye into what is making the overall home very appealing and the outdoor area is what they see fi rst. There are many modern trends that enhance the outdoor space and make homes more appealing to any buyer. • Outdoor structures make the home function at its best. Whether it is a shed for tools or a pergola for outdoor living space, these features help the buyer see much more value in the home. • Today the outdoor living space is an extension of the home. Home owners are moving indoor furniture outdoors and adding fi replaces and TV’s. Separating their space from neighbors and adding privacy is really important to today’s buyer. They put-up walls around pergolas or choose enclosed Gazebos. • Many more meals are being cooked outdoors now. Having an outdoor kitchen has a wide appeal for today’s buyer as well as the homeowner. If you have a nice entertaining area outside, consider adding an outdoor kitchen to the space for total convenience. • Outdoor lighting improves the function of the surrounding space. It is much easier and safer to enjoy a well-lit area. It also makes your home more visible to a buyer from the street. It also improves the security around the home while giving a great ambiance to the outdoor yard space — attracting buyers at night when they drive by. • Landscaping is very important to the success of selling a home. Using easy to maintain shrubs and fl owers help the buyer feel that the yard isn’t a yard with high maintenance. Simple mulch or rock can improve the area around shrubs and walkways giving a clean inviting look. Choose plants carefully for the soil and the environment they will be grown in so buyers love the beauty but not be scared by the upkeep. • The modern buyer is attracted to a home that has been updated with stone or wood to make the home stand out from the other homes around it. It can make the difference to a buyer as to whether they stop to see the home or not. • Other features that can make a huge difference to a buyer is the addition of an outdoor fi replace or fi re pit. They are functional in providing warmth and give ambiance to the area. A nice water feature can improve the feel of an outdoor space and adding additional enjoyment for entertaining. • Permanent outdoor seating will also bring value to the property. Chairs and tables that are personal property add value to the look but will not stay with the property. Consider bench seating around a deck or a permanent built in picnic table and benches. Remember that today’s buyers still have choices when buying. As you prepare yours for listing consider all the options that would interest you as a buyer if you were the one looking. You want to make your home as appealing as possible and by giving attention to your outdoor space — both front and the back yards — you can make a huge first impression. Teri Nelson, Realtor Intero Real Estate Services 408.425.5200 BRE#00858151 51