“Staging” is a term real-estate professionals use to describe the way a property is decorated or set up and presented to potential buyers. Staging a home puts the property in its best light, showcasing the desirable assets of a property and downplaying the negative ones. Staging a backyard to sell involves making the space look as welcoming and appealing as possible to prospective buyers.
Step 1
Clean the backyard of all debris and refuse.
Step 2
Remove dead or dying plants and replace them with new ones. If trees or shrubs are overgrown, trim them back.
Step 3
Remove or hide dog houses, kennels and children’s play equipment, if possible. If a structure is permanent and will be sold with the house, spruce it up with a fresh coat of paint and make sure all elements of the structure are in good working condition.
Step 4
Clean up sheds and out-buildings by washing and painting them. Any structure in very poor condition should be taken down.
Step 5
Test the sprinkler system to ensure it is in good working condition. Repair leaks and broken sprinkler heads. This will help keep your lawn green.
Step 6
Fertilize grass and plants to make them appear full, lush and healthy. If grass is sparse, consider replacing it with fresh turf or desert landscaping.
Step 7
Repair cracks in concrete patios or resurface cement walkways. Power wash and restain decks and outdoor wooden structures.
Step 8
Repair, paint or stain fencing. Use small sections of fencing to create barriers to hide trash can storage areas, lawn tools and toys.
Step 9
Create focal points in the yard by adding a fire pit and seating area, a free-standing swing or glider, a rock garden or a koi pond.
Step 10
Add a built-in barbecue grill with bar or a patio cover, if your budget permits.
Step 11
Install decorative concrete curbing around the perimeter of the yard to give it a finished look and feel. Decorative rock, stone or bark mulch can be placed within the curbing for added appeal.
Step 12
Drain and power wash pools and spas and use a tile cleaner to give outdoor water features a fresh look. Consider adding colored lights or water fountains to pools to make them more inviting.
Step 13
Create raised flower beds and gardens to make a back yard seem colorful and three-dimensional. Install lighting features so the yard can be viewed during the evening hours.
