Finding buyers for your home can seem
overwhelming, especially if your home can't quite keep up with the other homes
on the market. One way to boost interest in your home is to improve your
backyard, turning it into a great summer hangout. If you want to turn your
backyard into a summer hangout, check out these six must-haves.
1. Grill
Homeowners who want guests during the fun
summer months better be able to feed them, and grills are an excellent way to
do that. While many people chose to purchase a grill at their local home
improvement store, other homeowners prefer the benefits of a built-in grill.
Built-in grills are customizable, so you
can get one that fits perfectly for your backyard, making it more unique and
aesthetic for potential buyers. Plus, they have more features than just the
grill, such as countertops, drawers and cabinets, which makes cooking outside
much easier.
As an added benefit, a built-in grill will
increase the value of your home. So when you do finally find a buyer, you
recoup some of that initial investment.
2. Fireplace
An outdoor fireplace is another feature to
consider, especially for buyers who want to spend time outside at night. Even
summer nights can get chilly, but an outdoor fireplace will help keep guests
warm. They can also provide a fun alternative to cooking, allowing kids to
roast marshmallows or hotdogs.
Similar to built-in grills, an outdoor
fireplace can increase the value of your home, but only if you maintain the
fireplace.
3. Seating
Naturally, people will want some place to
sit while hanging out in any backyard, so make sure to provide plenty of
seating options. Of course, you can buy patio furniture, such as tables,
chairs, sofas, etc. to show off what the potential home buyer can do, but some
homeowners choose to incorporate seating into their landscaping.
Many people build seating directly into an
outdoor wall. For example, if you have a tiered wall near the patio, you can
turn the lower levels into seating areas. The benefit of incorporating seating
into your landscaping is that you don't have to worry about protecting
furniture from rain and UV rays.
4. Shade
Summer days get hot, and even when the temperature
is comfortable, not everyone wants to sit in direct sunlight. For this reason,
you need to provide shaded areas to attract buyers. Adding trees can help
naturally add more shade, but other homeowners choose to install pergolas,
awnings or a gazebo.
Awnings are connected to your home, making
them a great choice for a patio right outside your house. However, if you have
areas further from the home that need shade, a pergola or gazebo may be a
better choice.
5. Fences
Fences are another must-have feature
because they provide privacy and protection. First, if you choose a privacy
fence, buyers may feel more comfortable because they can have fun in the
backyard without prying eyes. In addition, a privacy fence offers some sound
dampening.
Fences also offer protection, which is
especially important if there are potentially hazardous areas in the yard, such
as a pool. Without a fence, kids, pets and inebriated adults may fall into the
pool. Fences also keep out strangers, which better protects all the great
features you have in your backyard.
6. Railings
If you have a raised outdoor area, such as
a deck or balcony, installing railings is another attractive and safety feature
buyers will enjoy. It's best to get a railing with narrow vertical beams. If
buyers have kids, they will see horizontal beams as perfect little ladders to
climb.
If someone does get hurt because of a
missing railing, they may be allowed to sue you, which can increase your
homeowners' insurance premiums.
These features combine to make a great
place to hang out. If you would like to know more about how to make your home
attractive for buyers, contact us
at
Heritage Realty and Insurance today.
