Home Staging News
When Preparing to Sell a Home, How Important is the Patio?
Article by Joan Marsh Bunker, owner Staged With Class
Full Question - When preparing to sell a home, how important is the patio? What type of buyer is most interested in the
backyard/patio? (Older folks? Men or women? People with small kids?) How much money should a seller invest in making improvements to the patio? What improvements
to the patio can a seller make for little to no money? Have you seen a seller make huge improvements and spend lots of money? If so, was their
investment worth it?
In today's competitive, and often frustrating, real estate market, a seller needs to have his property stand out from the rest by
addressing each and every area, whether it is inside or out. Each can be a valuable asset by adding to the overall ambience and saleability of the property.
The backyard/patio area is so important to many buyers for its added living space/square footage that it gives to their families. People with small
children appreciate a child-friendly neighborhood with backyards with grass to play ball, have a swing set, sandbox, etc. Newlyweds and emply-nesters are
more interested in having an attractive patio/deck where they can entertain friends and family, and just relax with a cup of coffee at the end of the day.
Having a small spot for a garden is also a popular request. What they don't want is a lot of maintenance because of demanding jobs or advancing age.
When the decision has been made to sell a house, it is not the time to make major patio renovations. What is needed is cleaning, clearing, and fixing of any
cracks or defects that may catch a buyer's eye. A small table and chairs is often all that is needed to set the stage. A nice indoor/outdoor rug, some
potted plants (a few large, rather than many small) can work wonders! Check out high-end websites like Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, etc. for ideas.
I recently staged an outdoor patio that a client had with a pergola. I brought in a rug, firepit, and two chairs to be placed opposite their wooden bench.
It created such a cool, cozy conversation area for so little money! The firepit is a great idea, and can be purchased for as little as $50!
Remember that today's buyers are looking for a lifestyle that draws them in. By purchasing a few up-to-date accessories, clearing out excess furniture,
and neutralizing colors, an outdated space can transform into one that will give the 'wow' factor. This is where staging can make the important difference.
Rather than several price reductions, smart sellers are making a very minimal investment by using a professional stager to quickly get the job done.
Otherwise, buyers will walk into a house, take a quick look, and say 'next'.
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