Should I “stage” my garden if I sell this spring?

Spring can be a popular time to sell your home—the warmer weather often encourages prospective buyers to come out of hibernation to look at properties. But if the weather is nice, that means they’ll also be checking out your outdoor space, whether that’s a backyard or balcony. So, should you stage your garden if you sell in the spring?

While you don’t necessarily need to tackle a complete yard makeover (buyers will likely focus on the inside of your home), there are certain benefits to making your outdoor space attractive to buyers. Here’s how to make it more appealing:

Clean up and declutter. A messy backyard is an immediate turnoff for buyers. Just as the front of your home benefits from having curb appeal when selling, first impressions are important for the backyard, too. Get rid of any junk, and put away toys and rusted or unsightly patio furniture.
Tidy up the landscaping. It may not be necessary to overhaul and replant your whole garden if you’re going to move anyway, but you do want to make sure to remove weeds and dead plants, tidy up any overgrown flower beds, and trim wayward branches and bushes. To brighten things up easily with fresh flowers, you can add planters or flower pots to brighten things up.
Add pops of colour. Fresh splashes of colour—flowers, decorative pots, patio furniture, decor, and accessories—help to create a welcoming space for buyers. Adding an outdoor rug, pillows, and ambient lighting like lanterns or string lights instantly cozies up any space.
Create a spot for entertaining. To sell your home, it helps if buyers can envision themselves living there and enjoying the outdoor space. Staging a dining or lounging space for entertaining can help paint a picture of summer months spent outside.
And take advantage of the whole area. Similarly, you’ll want to show buyers all the uses and perks of your space instead of relying on them to use their imaginations. This could include setting up a BBQ area, a firepit with chairs and blankets, or a bench or hammock in a shady area for relaxing.