Backyard Appeal is as Important as Curb Appeal

As I have mentioned before, when a buyer comes to your home, you get only one chance to make a first impression.

Buyers usually know within seconds whether they like your house or not. Home buying is normally a very emotional event — you can “feel” the right house in your gut — it “talks” to you.

Make sure that by the time they get to looking at the backyard, you keep that great first impression going, especially during the spring and summer months here on Long Island.

At this time of year potential buyers will be thinking about enjoying the yard. Having barbeques, relaxing and entertaining in their new backyard.

Here are some backyard tips:  

If you have a water feature like a pool, pond or hot tub, make sure it is open and sparkling clean. It needs to look inviting, not like it is a hassle to clean and maintain.

Keep up with the lawn. If your lawn is looking a little dry, some new grass seed, fertilizer and watering should bring it back to it’s deep green color. Again, you don’t want buyers to think it is a hard thing to maintain. If you let your dog in the yard, please clean up after him/her — you don’t want buyers to have any accidents while walking around.

Flowers and landscaping. These give the house curb and yard appeal. Any over-grown shrubs should be cut-back to show more of the exterior of your backyard. Plant a few annuals or include some potted plants that will add immediate color to the yard. 

Patio furniture with a conversation area can make the backyard more welcoming. It continues the sense of extra outdoor space, it actually makes the house feel bigger.  

Remember backyard appeal is as important as curb appeal, and can mean the difference between an excited buyer or a buyer that has doubts!

Please read some of my past articles and visit my website – FindYourHomeLI.com. Also please read our Five Towns Real Estate Blog.

Donna Galinsky
Pugatch Realty Corp
FindYourHomeLI.com
516-317-9253