What sells real estate? Location, location, location. We’d like to add one more item to that list: outdoor space. Because regardless of your location or property type, an outdoor space can make or break the sale of your house — especially in nice weather. -

1. www.haylengroup.com

3. You never get a second chance to make
a first impression, so make that front
entry burst with welcome.
Next, prune any plant overgrowth and
add inexpensive shrubs and potted
flowers. Make sure the doorbell works
too.

4. According to the same report, adding a
wood deck has an ROI of 80% — better
than remodeling a bathroom — and
constructing one costs a fraction of
building an addition, but dramatically adds
to perceived living space.
If you have an existing deck (or patio) in
need of repair, now is the time to start
swinging that hammer.

5. According to the National Association of
Home Buyers, house hunters focus
primarily on quality and appearance, so
don’t let a sagging roof or leaky gutters
drag you down.
A roof in ill repair indicates to a buyer that
more unpleasant surprises may await, and
a home inspection will quickly reveal if
your roof needs work.

6. Sure, your Pinterest page is full of
sprawling gardens and rose-clad trellises,
but in reality, most buyers want low-
maintenance, unfussy landscaping.
Mature, healthy plantings are a bonus, but
if your yard is still under development, try
to maintain a green lawn. No buyer wants
to imagine serving burgers to pals with a
side of sad, browning grass. If you don’t
have time to reseed, consider laying sod.

7. Real talk: Unless you live where it’s sunny
all the time, a pool is not a good investment.
It’s expensive to install and maintain, and
not everyone wants one.
Thinking about adding an outdoor kitchen?
Most buyers aren’t. Instead, put your money
into universally appealing amenities; buyers
can add niche amenities (a tennis court, a
hot tub) later.