How to Achieve Backyard Curb Appeal!

Hello Friends,

When we think of the term “curb appeal”, we think of the first impression we receive when pulling up to a property from the street. Good curb appeal can also go a long way when prospective buyers walk through a home for the first time. That exceptional first impression will make some “needs-fixing” or “needs-renovating” aspects to a property more forgivable and less daunting. And while both the front yard and home facade appearance are extremely important, we want to make sure we apply that same concept to the back of the house. A great patio and savvy landscaping can seal the deal with buyers as they immediately visualize children playing and BBQ’s in this well-tended backyard.

Whereas the front yard is an extension of the shared open space of a neighborhood, a backyard is every home’s personal corner of the world. Underneath blue skies and starry nights, cookouts, sports, outdoor adventures and playtime with pets will all happen here.

Here are 5 easy ways to spruce up your enclosed patio and backyard landscaping to make your backyard “curb appeal” as attractive as the front!

1. Install outdoor lighting – Conjure up images of fireflies and Fourth of July sparklers with some attractive outdoor lights. String some lighting across for an easy, low-voltage glow. Strategically place lamps or candle holders in your backyard, patio or garden for added luminosity. You can utilize trees, stones, archways, or get really creative in how you incorporate this effect.

2. An area rug will make your patio pop – Just like the eye-catching additions you use indoors to complete your interior design, bring that same vision outside by adding an outdoor area rug. Technology has come a long way and these outdoor area rugs from Mohawk Home can survive the elements while providing bold style and texture. It’s the perfect, inexpensive way to add a slight upscale touch. Also, a custom cut-and-bound rug made from Mohawk Flooring’s SmartStrand Forever Clean provides the maximum carpet protection against stains and spills as well as All Pet Protection and Warranty. This rug is the perfect fit for an enclosed patio, especially when you host that fun cookout for your friends and their pets!

3. Create an instant garden – Nothing will make an outdoor area shine like beautiful flowers, ferns and exotic plants. If you don’t have a green thumb or the time to garden, you can create a budget-friendly instant garden from your nearest nursery. Purchase your favorite varieties in ready-made containers from your local garden center. Arrange the plants on your patio or walkway without ever taking them out of their holder for instant beauty.

4. Add some outdoor art – Adding sculptures, cement statues, birdhouses or birdbaths will lend a tranquil feel to your backyard. Wind chimes are also soothing, artful pieces to add. Whatever your favorite touch is, some outdoor art will help transform your backyard into the relaxing space it should be.

5. Get your planter beds in order – Does the backyard have an overgrown or depleted garden? Are there particularly pesky areas with weeds where no grass will grow? A quick way to restore appeal will be to clear the area out (chop the overgrowth and pull the weeds), and use stones or bricks plus a bag of mulch to create attractive new planter beds. Even if you are not able to add new plants to it, it will give a much more organized, kept appearance for all who see it.

Incorporate a couple of these strategic fixes and you will have some outstanding backyard curb appeal in no time. Perhaps one of these steps will spark another great idea to help you upgrade your home before a sale. Just remember, adding a lot of appeal doesn’t have to break the bank.

Thanks so much,

ERA Skyline Real Estate