The weather may have cooled and the rain may have set in with the onset of autumn but as more sellers are attracted to the market by lower interest rates and increased confidence it’s vital that you tidy up outside space, as well as your inside to stand out to potential buyers. This is important whether you have a full on garden or simply a small yard.
1) Tidy away things you aren’t using
Having some items out will help with staging but an algae-infested paddling pool, or a dirty BBQ won’t make a good impression so clean them up and put them away ready for next summer.
2) Clear weeds, overgrown plants and moss
Weeds will have thrived over the summer and so keeping on top of their removal – whether they are in a flowerbed or growing on a driveway – is important to keep such areas looking good. You can also take the opportunity to cut back overgrown plants and shrubs ready for the cooler weather, as well as removing moss from driveways and lawns.
3) Jet-wash your patio and garden furniture
You might be wanting to put your garden furniture back in the shed as winter approaches but make the most of the autumn weeks to stage your outside space to potential buyers. A quick jetwash of your patio area and garden furniture will better prepare it for the warmer weather next year.
4) Repair and repaint
Fences, sheds and gates will take a battering from winds and storms over the coming weeks. Check them for any repair jobs you can do to help them better weather the storm. A fresh lick of paint or wood treatments will also help to protect the wood, as well as looking more appealing to would-be buyers.
5) Spruce up your entrance
Whether you have a full-on porch or just a front door, take a moment to clean up the area and door and perhaps add a plant or two in the walk up to the door. A fresh lick of paint or a new door knocker could help to add impact.
6) Refresh plant pots and planters
Add new colour to plant pots and planters if your summer choices have long faded. There are various autumnal colour plant options available to you. Make sure the pots themselves are also looking their best.
7) Clear fallen leaves
As the autumn leaves begin to fall you’ll be playing a constant game of chase to clear them up. The effort is worth it though. Your outdoor space will look better but you’ll also minimise slip hazards.
8) Clear gutters and downpipes
Fallen leaves may also block gutters and downpipes so check they are running clear and able to carry the extra rainwater that will be coming.
9) Check on your outside lighting
Your solar lights may not have the brightness they did in the summer but outside lighting still brings an ambience to your outdoor space. As nights draw in, effective security lights will also help reassure potential buyers about the safety of your property.
10) Bring the outside in and the inside out
You’ll want to make clear the advantage of your outside space, even if potential buyers are concentrating on the inside rather than the outside thanks to the weather. Try to make your garden or outside space an extension of your property – rather than a whole separate entity by bringing plants in, exposing natural light and directing the flow outside. Such tips can work whatever size of outdoor space that you have.