The backyard is often forgotten about by homeowners, even when they live there; when it comes to selling the property, the backyard barely registers. Most of the self-improvements that homeowners undertake before putting their homes on the market focus on the interior parts of their property.
However, there’s a lot of value — literally — in making improvements to your backyard, and especially if you create an outdoor living area. Most real estate experts agree that a great backyard can add between 5% and 15% to the value of the home. Putting together an enviable outdoor living area will push you to the higher end of the spectrum.
Plus, the benefits of having a great backyard stretch beyond the boost it’ll give to your property’s value. It can also simply enhance your quality of life while at home. Need some guidance? We’ve got you covered. Below you’ll find a few relatively easy ways to create an outdoor living area that you — and potential buyers — will love.
Alfresco Dining Possibilities
Homebuyers love the thought of alfresco dining in their home, and the reason we know is that everyone loves alfresco dining when the sun is shining. There are different levels to eating outside; you can do it with a cheap BBQ and a few plastic chairs, and you can also do it with a purpose-built outdoor grill and a quality outdoor dining furniture set. Even if you end up taking the dining set with you, showcasing it during their visit will show them what they’re life could be like if they buy the property.
Year-Round Comfort
Putting together a great outdoor living area won’t be worth all that much if a potential buyer believes they can only use it a couple of months out of the year. The climate might be too sunny during the summer or too cold during the other times of the year to sit outside. There are a couple of easy ways to solve this problem and turn your yard into a true year-round escape. For the summer, adding a retractable awning, like the kind that Liberty Home Products sells, can offer protection when the sun’s rays become too intense. For the fall/winter, a firepit can ensure that you can sit out even when the temperatures begin to dip without getting chilly.
Boost the Privacy
Boosting the privacy of your backyard is an easy way to elevate the comfort and, in many cases, style of your backyard, both of which will make it more appealing to potential buyers. Adding a tall hedge, fence, or trees can make the space feel more like a private retreat, while at the same time greatly enhancing the visual component of your backyard. Don’t worry if you don’t currently have any trees in your backyard; the best time might have been twenty years ago, but the second-best time is now. There are a few trees that are particularly appealing to home buyers, including trees that give fruit, river birch, Eastern redbud, and crape myrtle.