When it comes to selling your home, it’s easy to focus on the interior and forget about outdoor assets such as the garden. However, as summer approaches, potential buyers will be expecting to see your property’s outdoor space looking its best.
You don’t need to be an Alan Titchmarsh or Charlie Dimmock type to get the garden in top condition, though. Instead, just follow these simple steps and soon the exterior of your property will be just as gorgeous as the interior:
Mow and Weed the Lawn
Lawns are a huge selling point and especially desirable to those with young children. They quickly start to look a mess though, if left untended. Pick a dry day and mow the grass, pulling out any weeds as you go. Collect the cut grass and dispose of/recycle it to prevent it from blowing around the garden or trapping moisture and making your lawn soggy. Remember to check any flowerbeds for weeds, too. If your lawn is looking patchy, spread some grass seed to return it to its former glory.
Power-wash the Paving
Most gardens have paving or concrete somewhere, and without regular maintenance, it can become a bit of an eyesore. To bring it back to life, buy/rent/borrow a power washer and blast the dirt and moss away! This is a task which, once completed, will have the maximum impact for minimum effort. It’s also a good idea to give any decking a wash at the same time, as it can become discoloured and slippery after the winter months.
Tidy the Shed/Garage
Garden sheds and garages are highly sought after, but they often end up being a dumping ground for seldom-used tools/bikes/garden machinery. A messy space makes it difficult for a potential buyer to picture how they would utilise it themselves, so it’s a good idea to sort through any junk before your property goes on the market. Remove and dispose of any unwanted items, and arrange what’s left in an orderly manner. This way, viewers are free to imagine their own possessions being stored in there, rather than being distracted by the sight of rusty bicycles and broken lawnmowers.
Use Mirrors to Camouflage Walls
Large areas of bare brick can make a space feel small. Try hanging mirrors on these uninspiring blank canvases to reflect the more interesting areas of your garden and create the illusion of increased space. Just remember to give them a wash every now and again to keep them looking their best.
Dress the Furniture
If you have some outdoor furniture, clean it up and set it out. When you’re expecting viewers, scatter some cushions and put some glasses and a bottle/pitcher on the table. Candles also look great if you have a late viewing. Having your entertainment space set out in this way makes it more inviting for viewers and gives them an idea of how the space can be used.
Add Lights
Solar-powered lighting can be sourced relatively cheaply and will add a sense of tranquillity to the garden at night. Although most of your viewing will likely take place during the day, night-time photos can be used in your marketing materials and will advertise your property’s potential when it comes to entertaining during the summer. If your garden has any especially-striking trees, try uplighting them to create a stunning focal point.
What to do with the Bins..?
Bins aren’t the most attractive feature of the garden, but it’s often difficult to hide them. If you don’t have somewhere discrete to store them, give them a wash and line them up neatly in the least-intrusive place possible. Putting some washing powder or bicarbonate of soda in the bottom of your bins will help to eliminate any less-than-pleasant smells.
By following these simple steps, it’s possible to transform your garden into a wonderful summer retreat in just a day or two, and it will go down a treat with viewers! Once you’ve found a buyer for your home, don’t forget to get in touch with us to make sure you get the best possible deal when it comes to mortgaging your new one!
