A thoughtfully designed backyard can significantly impact your home’s sellability. It shapes potential buyers’ entire perception of the property, while a neglected, overgrown yard can create a negative first impression and drive buyers away. In our latest blog, we’ve compiled practical ideas to transform your outdoor space into a compelling selling point, helping you maximize your home’s value when selling in the Columbia area.
There’s a reason they call it the great outdoors. A well-maintained and professionally landscaped yard can add up to 15% to your home’s market value. For buyers who particularly value outdoor living, your yard could add another 12% in perceived value! That’s substantial equity sitting right outside your door. Here are our top recommendations to let your yard help sell your home faster and for more money!
Curb Appeal
We cannot emphasize enough how crucial curb appeal is when selling your Columbia home. The reality is that people DO judge properties by their first impression. An untamed front yard, peeling paint, and general disarray might cause potential buyers to drive right past without ever seeing your home’s interior treasures!
- Apply fresh paint touch-ups where needed
- Update door fixtures, locks, and add a welcoming doormat
- Rejuvenate your mailbox with fresh paint and plant colorful flowers around its base
- Properly trim bushes and trees, and thoroughly remove all weeds from flower beds
Make Them Feel At Home
Your backyard represents a valuable opportunity to showcase entertainment and family gathering potential. Help buyers envision themselves relaxing and enjoying the space by creating several inviting areas that highlight the property’s versatility.
- Create multiple comfortable seating areas to showcase the space’s versatility
- Include leisure elements such as a hammock or fire pit that suggest relaxation
- Transform your backyard into an extension of your living space by converting the grilling area into an outdoor kitchen
During open houses and showings, actively utilize the backyard space! Fire up the grill with some burgers and create an inviting, homey atmosphere that helps visitors immediately connect with the lifestyle your property offers!
Clean Up
A well-maintained yard speaks volumes about your overall property care. When buyers see you’ve invested time and energy into beautifying your outdoor spaces, they naturally assume you’ve given the same attention to the home’s interior. A pristine yard demonstrates pride of ownership that savvy buyers in the Midlands recognize and value.
- Pressure wash the sidewalk, porch, driveway and other concrete surfaces. A thorough power washing can refresh surfaces almost as effectively as new paint!
- Remove all weeds, create clean lawn edges, and trim bushes and trees for a manicured appearance
- Eliminate ALL exterior clutter. Even if an item is functional, temporarily store anything that might be considered an eyesore elsewhere
- Clean windows thoroughly, both inside and outside for maximum sparkle
- Refresh any worn or chipped exterior paint to create a well-maintained appearance
- Address all necessary repairs to steps, mailbox, fencing, and other outdoor elements
Be Efficient
While an attractive yard is essential, buyers in today’s market prefer outdoor spaces that don’t require constant maintenance. Aim for simple, clean designs that offer beauty without demanding excessive upkeep.
- Consider water usage carefully, especially in areas prone to drought or water restrictions
- Avoid planting high-maintenance vegetation that requires constant attention
- Incorporate low-maintenance features like rock gardens, decorative sand, or gravel in strategic areas
Whatever landscaping approach you choose, make thoughtful decisions with your potential South Carolina buyers in mind! Your yard can truly make or break your home sale in today’s competitive Columbia market. Keep these principles in mind as you prepare to list your property!
If you’re considering selling your Columbia home but feeling overwhelmed by the preparation process, Columbia Cash Home Buyers can help! As a family-owned business with over 10 years of experience in the Midlands, we offer innovative solutions for homeowners in any situation.