A spacious, well-maintained outdoor living area can be an asset to home sellers. It can make your home more attractive to potential buyers, who may imagine themselves spending a lot of time playing, grilling, or just mingling together in the yard.
But the inverse is also true. Specifically, if you have an outdoor space that’s overgrown or poorly maintained, it could actually make selling your home more challenging.
As you work to get your property sold, it’s important to be mindful of all of it—not just the house, but the area surrounding the house. Sometimes, that might mean admitting that your outdoor space needs a little TLC.
That’s what we’re going to talk about in today’s post, but remember: As you wonder how to sell a house, outdoor living space and all, it’s important to work with the right information. Start by requesting your SOLD.com seller’s report today!
Assessing Your Outdoor Space
Bugs & Other Pests
One thing you’ll want to watch out for is an abundance of creepy-crawlies on your property.
Don’t misunderstand us: You’re going to have some bugs! That’s how outside works!
But if you have, for example, a bunch of spiderwebs covering the exterior of your home, or your fence, or your shed, or your mini-barn… well, that makes it seem like the place is vacant, or at the very least poorly maintained.
It’s pretty easy to go around the property and sweep away massive cobwebs, and while you’re at it you might poor some vinegar onto massive ant hills, collapsing them without a trace.
Again, a few signs of bugs is fine—but there are simple ways to eliminate indicators of a real pest control issue.
Mold & Mildew
Another issue to be aware of is the growth of mold and mildew in your outdoor area, specifically along your home, your patio, or even your outdoor furniture.
Again, this is just one of those things that’s going to happen: You have a really rainy season, you’re not able to use the outdoor living space, and things start to get a little moldy. Moisture will cause that to happen, and it’s pretty normal.
Even so, it can be a turnoff to buyers—so as you seek to get the place sold, it’s worth taking a little time to rent a pressure washer and eliminate those signs of mildew and of mold.
Poorly Defined Areas
Something else to consider when selling your home is the definition of your outdoor space.
Here’s what we mean: Do you have an area where people can sit down and enjoy an outdoor area? A grilling space nearby? Perhaps a fire pit? An area for kids to play, and then maybe a garden?
Or is it all just a big, brambly mess, with furniture placed here and there and no real sense of how the area is supposed to be used.
It’s the latter scenario that you’ll want to avoid. Give potential buyers a clear picture of how they could use the space.
Other Issues in the Outdoor Space
There are a few other issues that can make your outdoor area a deal-breaker for potential buyers—and while these are rarer, it’s still worth noting them:
- Illicit crops, such as a marijuana garden, are going to make some buyers feel uncomfortable.
- The same is true with dead animals, specifically animals you killed on your last hunting trip!
- While it’s common practice to bury beloved family pets in the backyard, note that an actual animal cemetery is going to turn some heads (and not in a good way).
And one more thing: Just as you want to keep the interior of your home clean and clutter-free, it’s also important to keep your outdoor area mowed, as well as weed- and bramble-free. As you consider how to sell a house as quickly as possible, outdoor upkeep is a must.
Get Your Free Report from SOLD.com
There’s clearly a lot to think about as you entertain the listing of your property—so why not seek some clarity through a free, unbiased seller’s report? Request your report from SOLD.com and get a personalized recommendation for how you can get your listing sold!
