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