Avoid these outdoor home staging mistakes - and attract more buyers

Home staging is so important when selling a house, and when it comes to outdoor staging, including your garden, driveway and frontage, even the smallest details can make a big difference. Knowing which mistakes to avoid can help sellers create an attractive exterior that will in turn attract more buyers. Now that the summer is here, Tavistock and Okehampton buyers will be hoping to find pretty homes with alluring gardens and relaxing nooks. This is why we are looking at the most common outdoor home staging mistakes, and the best ways to avoid them.

Don't neglect Kerb Appeal

The saying ‘you only have one chance to make a great first impression’ is especially true when it comes to selling your home. The term ‘kerb appeal’ refers to how your home looks from the street, and the first thing potential buyers will see is the outside of your home. If it's not looking at its best, they may not even wish to come inside.

By taking the time to improve your home's kerb appeal, you'll be setting yourself up for success when it comes to selling. Remember, a great first impression can go a long way in attracting buyers and securing your sale.

Don't overlook simple maintenance

It may seem obvious, but many sellers neglect simple maintenance over time. Take the time to visually inspect your property from the outside to ensure that everything is in good condition before you list your home and viewings begin.

Common maintenance tasks that are often overlooked include cleaning a property’s exterior, repairing broken gates and fencing, updating paintwork, and making sure the lawn is mowed and the garden beds and pots are tidy. Taking care of these small tasks can help show potential buyers that a property is well-maintained and ready for them to move in. A well-maintained property is more attractive to buyers than one that has signs of neglect.

Don't forget furniture

One common mistake sellers make is not having any garden furniture, or having too much thus making the space feel cluttered. It's important to strike a balance and create a comfortable and inviting space. Keep it simple and choose furniture that fits the size of your outdoor area. You should also pay attention to the style of your furniture and how it complements the overall design of your home.

Outdoor furniture can give buyers an idea of how they can use the space and picture themselves living in the property. A garden dining set evokes scenes of alfresco dining and family BBQs, a bench in a lovely nook surrounding by beautiful, colourful and aromatic flowers is the ideal space to relax with a good book. Setting the scene for potential buyers allows them to connect emotionally with your home, which is exactly what viewings should be about.

When it comes to staging outdoor furniture, less is more. Choose a few pieces that complement the space and enhance the overall appeal of your home. By doing so, you'll make it easier for potential buyers to picture themselves enjoying their new outdoor living area.

Don't ignore your landscaping

Neglecting your landscaping could be a costly mistake in terms of turning off potential buyers. Overgrown plants, dead flowers, and unmown lawns are all visual cues that indicate a lack of care and attention, making buyers think twice about your home.

To ensure that your landscaping is adding value to your home, keep it well maintained. Trim overgrown bushes and trees, weed the garden beds, plant colourful flowers and replace dead ones, and mow the lawn regularly. Additionally, pressure washing the walkways, patios, and outdoor surfaces can help to make them look clean and well-kept.

You don’t have to be a keen gardener to create a space that appeals to potential buyers, even a small patio with a thoughtful display of pots and plants can give the feeling of a quaint haven. These finishing touches could make all the difference to any potential buyers, and how they perceive your property.

Bring on the summer

Summer is a great time for viewings, as the sun is shining and our gardens are in bloom, so go on and use their selling power so that potential buyers can see it as a place they would like to call home! If you’re thinking of selling your home in Okehampton or Tavistock this summer and would like more advice on how to successfully stage your home and garden then our sales team are here to make things happen. Give us a call on 01837 54080 (Okehampton) or 01822 617243 (Tavistock) and we would be happy to help.