| Now that summer's here, it's time for your backyard | | | | on a home's property value is difficult to gauge |
| to shine. The right mix of greenery and space for | | | | because their perceived value is so subjective. For |
| entertaining can put the final twinkle in a potential | | | | some buyers, swimming pools are a dream come |
| buyer's eye. No longer just a yard for the kids to run | | | | true, and see it as a kind of one-stop-shop for fun, |
| around in, or a garden to plant a few shrubs, | | | | exercise, and relaxation. |
| backyards are quickly becoming extensions of the | | | | For others, a pool can seriously detract from the |
| home. Outdoor rooms are increasingly common | | | | property because they only see the costs involved |
| around the country, with features like built-in fire pits, | | | | with pool upkeep, as well as the time and hassle that |
| kitchens, and weather-proof furniture that would | | | | year-round maintenance requires. |
| blend in with the most elegant interior designs. | | | | If you do decide to add a pool, make sure that you |
| With outdoor rooms becoming the latest 'it' factor in | | | | do it for the enjoyment of it rather than for any |
| home decor, it's important to know which additions | | | | value it may add to your house. You may also want |
| to your outdoor space will bring value to your home, | | | | to consider adding incentives to the deal in order to |
| and which ones will send buyers running in the other | | | | make nervous pool buyers more relaxed. Incentives |
| direction. | | | | can include a year's worth of chemicals or other pool |
| Items that are permanent features could deter | | | | supplies and accessories. |
| potential buyers. They don't want to be stuck with | | | | Finicky plants that have very particular lighting and |
| remnants of your tenancy there; they need to feel | | | | watering needs will add beauty to your yard, but will |
| like the home is theirs, and always has been. Buyers | | | | make potential buyers uneasy. If they are new to |
| need to be able to see your home as a blank | | | | gardening or limited on time and money, they will |
| canvass for them to put their personal stamp on, | | | | likely prefer to buy a house that has hearty, low |
| while still being able to see the design potential of the | | | | maintenance plants. If a buyer is unable to easily |
| property. | | | | maintain your garden's current state, the whole yard |
| Built-in fire pits are one permanent addition that has | | | | will appear unkempt and uninviting. The buyer could |
| become quite popular in the last year or two. Fire pits | | | | hire a gardener to take care of it properly, but this is |
| help create a cozy atmosphere, and can make your | | | | an added expense that most buyers simply aren't |
| outdoor space comfortable all year long. | | | | interested in. |
| Unfortunately, these units are expensive to install, | | | | If you like to garden, but are thinking about selling |
| and not suitable for homeowners who don't entertain | | | | your home in the near future, keep things simple. |
| on a regular basis. | | | | Only purchase plants and trees that can withstand a |
| It is a much better idea to purchase a portable fire | | | | little neglect, but will still give the yard a lush and |
| pit instead of a built-in one. Much more affordable, | | | | tranquil feeling. Imagine potential buyers as knowing |
| these units can be moved to your next home, where | | | | nothing about gardening, and plan your landscaping |
| they'll help create fond outdoor memories at your | | | | design from there. |
| next place. | | | | PorchLight Real Estate Group combines local market |
| The effect that an in-ground swimming pool can have | | | | knowledge with cutting edge marketing skills. |