Outdoor improvements can attract buyers and boost value

New construction neighborhoods are all over the county making it challenging for existing home sales to compete unless they are competitively priced or offering something unique. If you’re planning to sell your home, turning your yard into an outdoor living space can be just the thing to make your home stand out among other listings. Outdoor living spaces can also increase your home’s value.

There are many different outdoor projects that can increase your home’s value. Choosing the right outdoor improvements can be assets if and when you decide to sell your home. Speaking to a local real estate agent about current trends is a good place to start. A knowledgeable agent may tell you that although that outdoor swimming pool you’ve dreamed of may sound great to you, it may not be very practical for this region and could deter potential buyers from your home.

Outdoor kitchens and fire pits provide festive gathering areas for family and friends. Areas for cooking, dining, entertaining, and watching movies outside have become really popular trends in home improvement projects, even in this rainy climate. With the right covered deck or patio design, you can create useable and inviting outdoor living space for summer grilling, quiet relaxation, parties, or entertaining visitors. A nice-looking deck or patio can also help your home sell quickly and for more money.

Landscaping is probably the best bet for universal appeal, and it includes more than just lawn, shrubs, and manicured edges but also can include fencing, lighting, paths, pergolas, and other structural features. Investing in the right landscape style, design, and upkeep for your property pays off with year round benefits of making your home feel appealing to your family and visitors, and also to potential buyers when the time comes to sell.

Alyssa Curran is a NW native and a REALTOR® for over 15 years. As a wife, a mother of four, and a full-time Realtor, Alyssa loves everything that encompasses the home: buying, selling, decorating, mothering…she enjoys it all.