Your backyard called, it needs some love and attention. Our backyards and other outdoor spaces are often forgotten, neglected and overlooked because we’re too busy focusing on our houses. It’s important to remember however that the backyard is an essential piece of the home and holds quite a bit of untapped potential. So listen up, especially you Southern California homeowners, because here are 4 good reasons to put some time, money and love into revamping your backyard.
1. It Adds Value To Your Home. If you put money into your backyard and outdoor spaces, you will see a return on your investment when you’re ready to sell. HGTV reports adding a deck to your home will increase your usable living space and sellers can look forward to recouping 70% or more of their investment. Some fun outdoor ideas to enhance up your backyard include a firplace or firepit, lounging space, or grill area.
Putting that effort into your outdoor spaces will also attract more buyers when it’s time to sell because they value these kinds of special amenities. Better Home and Gardens 2013 survey of luxury home buyers found that they put a huge value on outdoor amenities and even consider some as essentials in their new home. Features such as a garden oasis, firepit and guest house were among the must-haves for home buyers. According to the same study, 60% of those surveyed would rather have more upgrades than more space.
2. Year Round Enjoyment. Living in Southern California means we enjoy several perks and benefits including, but not limited to, Disneyland, proximity to the beach and mountains, In-N-Out and of course amazing weather nearly 365 days of the year.
In Orange County the weather rarely dips below 55 degrees or spikes higher than the mid 80’s so that means you’ll get to enjoy your outdoor space all year long – not just summer. Spending time outside is relaxing and a form of stress of relief, so why not do it more often? As lucky residents of Southern California we can sit on our decks in January and soak up some sun.
3. It’s The Perfect Place to Entertain. According to a survey from home building company PulteGroup, 52% of Americans indicate they enjoy hosting holiday gatherings in their home and yet 47% feel their house is inadequate and are stressed out by the thought of hosting. So you don’t have room for entertaining everyone inside your house? Take the party outside!
By investing in your outdoor space you’re greatly opening up your possibilities for entertainment. You could move the entire party out into the backyard or just add some lounging furniture so there’s more space for people to mingle and hang out.
4. Staying In For The Night Becomes An Exciting Thing. You shouldn’t have to get away from your house in order to have a nice night. Want a romantic dinner under the stars? Order in and take it out back! Instead of spending your money on going out, invest in staying in.
Ever heard of a staycation? It’s like a vacation without having to leave home and it’s what you are getting when you invest in your backyard and other outdoor spaces. Thousands of people flock to our little corner of the state to vacation because it’s a nice place for a getaway. By making your own backyard a beautiful getaway, you will save money on your own vacation and bring more excitement and relaxation to your everyday life. We all deserve to love the place we call home, we just need to give it a little love first.
Sellers – What kind of outdoor renovations would you value in a home?
Agents – What was included in the most extravagant backyard you’ve ever seen?
Originally posted at: http://www.firstteam.com/blog/?p=7194
