I’m a real estate pro & your backyard ups your home’s value – my design tips, every outdoor space needs a ‘showstopper’
A REAL estate expert has revealed the backyard features that help to increase any house’s value.
He said an inviting outdoor space with low-maintenance features can “elevate the entire” home.
Renovating the interior before listing a house on the market is a popular way of increasing property value.
However, backyards, patios, and even the smallest balconies shouldn’t be overlooked.
Jim Gray is a real estate professional and a performance coach at Agent Advice.
He told The U.S. Sun that any outdoor sanctuary can “shine with the right strategic vision” as he shared hacks he’s learned by tackling dozens of projects.
CREATE A FOCAL POINT
Gray recommended placing a decorative item in backyards that draws attention.
“Every irresistible outdoor oasis deserves a showstopping centerpiece or main attraction,” he said.
“Perhaps it’s an eye-catching fire feature, water element, sculptural art installation, or even a killer outdoor kitchen setup.
“Let an artfully-designed gathering space anchor the composition.”
He added that features such as shaded overhangs, misters, and fire pits also help make the space usable in every season.
“Syracuse winters won’t stop you from savoring cocoa by the fire pit, and summer heat won’t deter dinner parties under the pergola,” he said.
Gray said artistic lighting is the “unsung hero” for creating a delightful open-air ambiance.
He recommended smart lighting control systems that set the mood at the push of a button.
“Incorporate weatherproof path lights, up-lighting to accent architectural features, and adjustable task illumination for outdoor kitchens or bars,” he said.
DEFINE DISTINCT ZONES
The real estate expert said furnishings and decor can be strategically used to define areas dedicated to dining, lounging, or a garden.
He recommended taking inspiration from interior design for a cohesive look.
Surrounding yourself with greenery is a research-backed way to reduce stress and induce calm.
Jim Gray
He said furniture should be multipurpose, such as built-in benches, drop-down tables, and mobile planters.
“Choose weather-resistant materials like aluminum, synthetic wicker, or naturally resilient teak,” he said.
“Don’t shy away from accents like rugs, pillows, art, and ambient lighting to amp up the comfort.”
“I can’t emphasize enough how savvy hardscaping and landscaping amplify resale value,” he added.
“Cultivate alfresco entertainment areas buyers covet, and you’re essentially recapturing a chunk of your investment upon sale.”
EMBRACE NATURE’S COMFORTS
“Surrounding yourself with greenery is a research-backed way to reduce stress and induce calm,” Gray said.
“Don’t settle for a barren patio – get creative with planters, climbers, trees, and shrubbery suited to your climate.
“Greenery softens hardscapes, offers shade, and connects you to nature’s restorative powers.”
How to make your backyard a little paradise
Houna Bech is an interior designer and founder of the style blog With Houna.
She revealed to The U.S. Sun five tips for transforming a drab outdoor space into a “sensory-rich little paradise.”
- Embrace nature
“Use your landscaping, trees, flowers, and organic environment as your muse,” she said.
2. Bring the inside out
“Repeat color palettes, textures, and materials so the transition between indoors and out is seamless,” she said.
3. Create zones for specific purposes
“I might design a luxurious cabana with plush loungers and vanities for alfresco makeup sessions with my girlfriends,” she said.
4. Prioritize comfort
“I’m talking cloud-like sectionals, upholstered daybeds, and oversized weather-resistant poufs you can really envelop yourself in,” she said.
5. Get creative
“Finally, turn your entire outdoor area into an artistic installation,” Bech said.
The real estate expert said homeowners should work with the scenery surrounding their property rather than trying to craft a new view.
“Have a magnificent vista? Design ample, unobstructed sightlines to frame that million-dollar view,” he said.
“Is privacy paramount? Opt for peripheral plantings, artful fencing, or retractable screens to cultivate a cozy, sheltered enclave.”
“The most impactful outdoor areas feel like an integrated sanctuary tapping into all five senses – not just visuals but invigorating scents, textures underfoot, ambient sounds, and even flavors from outdoor kitchens,” he added.
“With a cohesive overall design bringing purposeful elements into refreshing harmony, you’ll effortlessly blur the line between indoors and out.”
