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Going beyond the garden variety to make the sale

Anthony MatteoThe West Australian
An attractive outdoor space is important when presenting a home for sale.
Camera IconAn attractive outdoor space is important when presenting a home for sale. Credit: Supplied.

For Western Australians, the backyard can signify the entertainment hub of the home, particularly during the summer months when many homeowners come together to host friends and family or to just soak up the afternoon sunshine.

When selling your home, a maintained yard is often attractive to potential buyers, so ensuring it looks perfect is important.

Ray White Dalkeith Claremont Principal Vivien Yap said backyards were often a key selling point for homebuyers.

“It is important to make your backyard shine and stand out when selling your home,” she said.

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Supporting this statement was Sauvage The Agency Property Partner Julie Fairhead, who said creating a welcoming outdoor area was an effective way to add value to your home.

“A well-maintained backyard gives the perception of lifestyle and comfort – it needs to be functional and a place to enjoy entertaining or relaxing,” she said.

To create a charming backyard space, both Ms Fairhead and Ms Yap highlighted some important tips sellers should consider prior to putting their home on the market.

Whether you have a large or limited space, it is important that homeowners create some sort of outdoor setting so buyers can visualise their potential oasis.

Keeping it maintained

To make the space present well, garden maintenance is a must.

Ensure the lawn is mowed, the bushes are trimmed and trees and garden beds are in order to give the feeling that the space has been well cared for, according to Ms Yap.

Ms Fairhead suggested homeowners remove any unsightly objects such as old furniture, trampolines or swings which were no longer in use.

“Create a space that gives the impression of a backyard you want to spend time in,” she said.

Staging the space

Ms Yap said positioning furniture in your outdoor space was another way to set the scene for potential homebuyers.

“Furniture shows how the backyard can be used, whether it is for entertaining or for everyday use,” she said.

“Furniture can also make a space appear bigger than it is.”

With the dining area often being an extension of the home, Ms Fairhead said owners should make the space look inviting with strategically placed furniture and fun decor.

“Add a splash of colour with scatter cushions and accessories to convey a feeling of calm and relaxation,” she said.

Ms Yap also suggested the inclusion of outdoor styling items such as umbrellas, as they add style and sophistication to your property, with potential buyers being better able to imagine themselves living in this space.

Don’t forget the mulch

For those who are time poor and may not have the chance to do regular gardening, mulch is a great way to hide weeds.

Along with mulch, according to Ms Fairhead, having good reticulation is a must, as potential buyers don’t want to look at a space and think that it’s too much work.

“Keep the garden neat and trimmed to give the appearance of a low-maintenance backyard,” she said.

Make the pool sparkle

Particularly perfect for the summer months, pools add value to a property when presented perfectly, according to Ms Yap.

Making sure the pool is clean, full and operating is important to tempt buyers.

“Buyers want to imagine themselves enjoying the pool,” Ms Yap said.

“Even in the winter months, the pool should be kept in perfect condition – it is essential if you are trying to achieve maximum price potential.”

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