June 22, 2004 > Staging Your Home to Sell: The Outdoor Setting

Buyers who look at your home will receive their first impressions when they step into your yard. They'll count the number of trees, check for gopher holes and notice whether your lawn is neatly trimmed. They will also be looking for features of your home that accommodate outdoor activities.

Porches, decks, patios and pools and gardens are appealing to buyers who appreciate outdoor living areas of a home. You can maximize the effect of your home's exterior spaces by highlighting them with the right landscape design.

First, remove all the weeds that grow around the edge of a patio or the support beam of a deck. Low shrubs or flowers can be planted to soften the corners of a porch. Outdoor spaces should be accessible via pathways, which can be covered with paving stones, concrete, gravel or redwood chips, depending on your budget and the style of your home's exterior. Trim branches that hang over pools or obstruct walkways. Wooden decks and porches can be stained to bring out the grain of the wood and deepen the color.

When you're ready to show the home, remove everything from decks and porches except lawn furniture and potted plants. Toys, tools, gardening equipment, your vintage pink plastic flamingo and the cat's dish must all be stored out of sight.

For more helpful tips on staging your home go to Tricityrealestateinfo.com or call Tony at 510-444-5500.