Staging Your Yard

In such a competitive housing market, you need to focus on the entire property, not just the house. It is time to walk the outdoors and refresh your landscape. Buyers love to see colorful blooms throughout the landscape, unique details and creative spaces. Here are some quick and easy tips to make your outdoor space extraordinary.

Clean & Crisp

The first impression of your landscape should be that of a well maintained yard. It should be clean and crisp. Mow the lawn, weed the beds and fertilize plants to get the optimum look and performance. It is show time! The walkways, paths, patios and decks should be free of debris and washed for expected guests. Keep your windows crystal clear to reflect your stellar landscape.

Usable Space

The goal is to catch the eye of perspective buyers, so you need to plan for all types of persons and families. Usable space means every inch of your yard has a purpose; for playing, entertaining or enjoying the view. Entertaining areas should include an outdoor dining set or a comfortable lounging suite. Dress it up with a white table cloth and a colorful bouquet for formal gatherings. Light a few candles to light up the garden for an intimate setting. Your space should open up to the lawn for larger occasions and summer family games.

Dress Your Garden for the Occasion

Think about the garden looking great for all seasons. Plan for year round interest- that perfect buyer could see your home at anytime, in any season. Decorative planters with annuals by the front door, on the deck or focal points throughout the landscape can be changed seasonally to stay fresh. Plants that have impressive bloom, texture, foliage and unique form should be used to draw the prospective buyer’s eye forward. Picture a pristine, snow covered landscape highlighted by a crabapple tree adorned with red berries. Then in spring, it will be covered in fragrant flowers.

Welcome Home

Use the landscape to accent the home’s best features. The front entry should be welcoming and always “pop.” If a large shrub or tree is blocking the sightline, then it should be removed. If you have a great view, then frame it with the landscape and add a bench to relax and enjoy the vista. The sound of water bubbling from a water feature can mask the noise of a bustling neighborhood. Irrigate the lawn before the prospective buyers arrive to create a cooling effect on the property. Also, accent lighting on trees and shrubs allows you to show off your landscape in the evening- not just during the day.

Landscape Rules

The rules of good landscape design still apply. Do not go out and buy one of everything you like. This will make it look unorganized. You need to mass plant for a cohesive and purposeful look. Vary the height of the landscape to add depth and interest. This can be done by placing lower plants in front and slowly graduating to taller plants near the home. Make sure to buy plants that are zone hardy and plant in proper soil and light conditions. Compliment the style of your home and lot. For example, A Colonial home looks best with a formal landscape where as a prairie style landscape looks bests with an Arts and Crafts home.

Home buying is not only a financial decision but an emotional investment.

So get outside and breathe new life into your landscape making a memorable first impression. This will outshine your competition and get you top dollar for the sale!

Colleen Moran, Design Director

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