There is a buzz in the air for this weekend! Everybody is getting ready for Memorial Day, which honors the brave men and women who have died serving this country. This weekend also kicks off the start of summer entertaining, with homeowners ensuring there’s enough charcoal or gas for the grill, the patios are swept, the flags are up, the gardens are beginning to grow, the mulch is down, the hammocks are tied to the favorite shaded area, and yard games are being placed on lawns for fun activities.
The outside space has now become an extended room for casual living and entertaining, whether it is a front porch, patio or deck. If you are thinking about listing your home, remember the importance of the outside area. Even if you are not listing your home, consider your backyard as an oasis.
Many people have now resorted to staycations rather than traveling, and the home is where can unwind, put your feet up and enjoy the outdoors. Of course there are the essentials for an outside living space: cozy furniture and rugs, eclectic wall hangings, wind chimes, matching plates, napkins, and placemats, fire pits, ambient music and lighting, and of course our favorite flora adorning the table and flower boxes. Add a cool drink and a good book or good company, and you are set.
If you are looking to sell your home, make sure your porch doesn’t have boxes on it, and do not use it as a closet space. The front porch is a welcoming space, and having hanging baskets, a wreath on the door and several outdoor furniture pieces adds to the ambiance of an inviting space.
Get all decked out with your deck and patio! Enjoy your space. This is where your grill most likely will be located. If you are at a loss for ideas, peruse stores such as Home Goods, Pier One, go online at Plow and Hearth or wayfair.com, or visit local boutiques. There are many great ideas that you can get from Pinterest, DYI and This Old House, too.
Now that we are in full swing with the spring market, if you are a seller, your outdoor space should be appealing. Buyers are looking for that wow factor, a place to call their home, and what better way than to show them a special place right when they pull up to the curb.
Enjoy your extended weekend with parades, barbecues, good company, and take advantage of those open houses!
Robert Northfield is a top real estate expert in the Maplewood, Milburn, Short Hills, South Orange, West Orange, Montclair areas and surrounding towns at KW Mid-Town Direct.
