2020 was a very long and stressful year and now that the vaccine is making its way around the country, people are coming out in full force looking to purchase their dream home. With summertime being right around the corner, you may be anxious to put your house on the market and move on to greener pastures. But in the meantime, there’s no harm in making outdoor renovations that your family can enjoy and that’ll add value to your home.
Now’s the time to make your backyard into the entertainment hub for your friends and family while appealing to the largest pool of buyers. Sure, insights from top agents say it’s a strong seller’s market and bidding wars are breaking out now more than ever… But you can’t go wrong with trying to get the most bang for your buck!
Here are the top 5 outdoor renovations that will add value to your home while giving buyers what they want.
Swimming pools
Ah, the swimming pool. It’s the epitome of backyard entertainment and is sought after by families as a way to cool off in the summer. Buyers today aren’t so much interested in an above-ground pool – they want in-ground pools with appealing pool surrounds, safety fences and maybe even a snack or drink station nearby.
Better lighting
The backyard probably already has lighting, be it the regular fixture that came with the house or string lights the homeowner put up themselves. However, when you upgrade the lighting situation, you’re not only creating a cozier space, you’re creating a safer space too. Buyers are interested in light posts, walkway lighting, recessed lights and even spotlights.
Upgraded grilling station
You may love your grill and are the master of making a mean T-bone steak, but you can up your grilling game by creating a grilling station fit for the grill master that you are. Buyers love built-in grills because they are a nice focal point but they also appreciate the extra work space these built-ins provide. If you want to go above and beyond (and you have the space for it), you can create a complete outdoor kitchen or build a wet bar.
Outdoor living areas
The pool area is a great place to lounge and get some sun, but buyers may not necessarily want to roast in the sun whenever they go outside. You can appeal to more buyers if you have a dedicated outdoor living space under a shady covering like a covered patio or deck, building a gazebo or a pergola with a canopy.
Room for yard games
As far as backyard entertainment goes, the pool, a tricked out grilling area, and a cozy lounging area are great features to have. Yet, those things aren’t necessarily the only things your yard should have if you want to throw a stellar backyard barbeque. Buyers are looking for yards with enough space to play games or set up swing sets for their kids.
A luscious green lawn is the perfect place to set up a volleyball net or a swing set. You can lay down a concrete slab so the kids have a place to ride their bikes or set up a basketball net. You could even save an area at the back of the yard for a sandbox or even a horseshoe pit.
When you want to make the most of your outdoor renovations, it’s a good idea to ask your real estate agent for advice. Your agent will be able to guide you through the process of selling your home, but also fill you in on what features are the most in-demand among buyers. With their help, you’ll be able to get the most out of your renovations, both in family entertainment and when you’re coming up with a listing price!
