Outdoor Home Staging

by Debbie Correale

Last week I reviewed the value of home staging when you are planning to sell your home, or if you have your home on the market currently.  If you missed that post, click the title to read, “Staging for Success.”  What I did not cover in that post is the value of staging the outside of your home, as well.  Since the first photo on your listing is the outside of your home, and we already know that buyers make snap judgments, you will want your home to present as nicely as possible.  What’s the best way to ensure this?

Here is an outdoor staging check list that you can accomplish in a weekend to make your entryway inviting and pleasing but not overwhelming in three stages:

Spring Clean Up

• Remove all leaves and remaining plant debris from the winter.  Edge the beds and put down a fresh layer of mulch.
• Sweep and power wash all walkways, front porches and decks.
• Remove all toys, old swing sets, etc. from the yard.
• Add lots of colorful flowers to draw your eye outside.

Paint – Repair – Replace

• Clean your front door and give it a fresh coat of paint.  Click the title for some tips on, “Painting Exterior Trim.”  If you have a brass kick plate, does it need polishing or replacing?
• If you have shutters, it’s time for a fresh coat of paint.  Determine whether you want to match your front door color or complement it.
• Are your house numbers faded or rusted?  Is your mail box barely hanging on?  Replace them!
• If you have the same outdoor lighting as you had when you moved into your home, it is time for an update!  Go to your local home store such as Home Depot or Lowes as there are many options available.
• Buy a brand new door mat.  Solid black is the best.  Avoid “Beware of Dog” welcome mats as they do not create a welcoming effect.

Color – Design – Balance

• In your front garden, add color but keep it simple.  Plant seasonal currently blooming flowers.  Consider a single color or two to ensure the clearest photos for display on real estate internet sites.
• Add plants to your entryway with plant containers.  Keep in mind, you will want to see this from the road; therefore, the height of the container and plants need to fit the size of your front porch and door.  If you are unsure what plants would work together or for ease of care, your local home store should be able to help you with this.
• Use the things you already have, change their color and arrange things in an interesting way to invite and appeal to anyone.  Click here for an example of a DIYer who updated their front porch look for a bargain!  You want the buyers looking at the photo of your house or driving by to say, “That looks really nice; I can see living there!”

If you need help with your home staging and would like to schedule a consultation, contact Debbie@RedesignRight.com for all your interior redesign and home staging needs!

Debbie Correale is founder and owner of Redesign Right, LLC. You can learn more about her at www.RedesignRight.com. Find her on Facebook.com/RedesignRight, Twitter @RedesignRight, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Houzz and Google+.