Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
By Susie Shortsleeve
Spring is finally here, and it's a beautiful time of year to spruce up your property and get it ready for the warmer weather. For many people, this means creating an outdoor environment that is inviting and fun to use during the warmer months. This is just as important if you're planning on selling your home as if you're going to be living in it.
Nicer weather means that people want to spend more time outdoors working,
playing, socializing, and even eating. Most homeowners invest some time
preparing their yards and gardens for warmer days, and the same rules apply when
prepping your home for sale. Buyers will be tempted by the accessibility and
appeal that you enjoy in your yard.
Making your yard and the outside of
your home enticing doesn't have to be expensive. All it takes is a little elbow
grease and a few key investments – most likely the same investments you make
every year as the weather warms up. Here are a few small fixes and
embellishments that you can use to your advantage when making your outdoor space
appealing:
Clean it up. Your outdoor space can give
prospective buyers the impression of an additional "room" when viewing your
home. And as with any other room in your home, you want everything to be in
order. Stow lawn tools and outdoor toys in a garage, shed, or storage bench when
you are not using them. Clean up anything that has gotten grimy during the cold
winter months. Wash windows and clear gutters. Rent a power washer from a local
home supply store to clean off siding, decks, patios, and fences that look
dirty.
Make quick fixes. Replace or repair anything that
has taken a beating. Paths and patios should be free of chipped or cracked tiles
or paving stones. Shore up fences that are damaged or leaning. Repaint any trim
or decking that is in bad shape. Make sure all of your outdoor lighting is
working.
Make your landscaping stand out. While you
don't necessarily want to plant a huge vegetable garden that will require
maintenance (and for which you may not reap the benefits), well-placed and
carefully maintained plantings are an easy and attractive way to make your home
stand out. If you don't have the time to maintain flower beds, add a few pots
and planters brimming with bright blooms. Hanging baskets of flowers are
available at virtually any home store or nursery, while small pots of fresh
herbs are pretty and you can take them with you when you move. As always, stay
on top of weeding and keep grass trimmed and bushes and trees pruned. Investing
in some fresh mulch will give your yard a clean appearance.
Add
charm. A prospective homebuyer will likely be drawn to the allure of
dining al fresco, so if you have a grill or barbecue area, make it inviting with
some attractive outdoor furniture. If you have a pool, open it and maintain it.
Keep the water sparkling and inviting, and store pool toys out of sight. And
don't forget how your property will look during evening hours. Outdoor lighting
comes in all shapes and sizes, and much of it is very affordable. Invest in some
fixtures that highlight your property's best features. And keep lawn ornaments
to a minimum. Remember that buyers want to imagine themselves in your home, so
it's best to give them room to imagine their own belongings in your outdoor
space.
With summer just a few weeks away and winter just a memory, it's
time to get out and enjoy the nicer weather. The best part of preparing your
lawn and yard for sale is that you can enjoy the benefits while you are waiting
for an offer to come through.
Susie Shortsleeve is a REALTOR® Weston, Mass.
Reprinted with permission from RISMedia. ©2013. All rights reserved.
