Yard-Staging Tips to Impress Potential Buyers

Your front yard is the first thing the buyer will see when they drive up to your house so make it look as good as possible. If you are preparing to put your home on the market that means that you not only have to stage your home's interior but also spruce up your yard.

• Baby the lawn. Find high quality weed killer with lots of micronutrients to kill growth before its starts. Test the pH of your soil and spread lime if its below 6 or gardener's sulfur if its above 7. Set your mower high to reduce stress on the grass and cut down on needed watering.
• Trim the overgrowth. Prune any branches that touch the house, cover windows or block a path.
• Splurge on mulch. New mulches that retain color throughout the season cost more but its worth it for a good first impression. Get finely stredded mulch for the visual appeal.
• Edge your flowerbeds. Don't bother with plastic edging, simply tie a string between two sticks and follow the line with a sharp flat-edged spade pushed 4-6 inches into the soil.
• Power wash everything. Cobwebs, mold, and dirt accumulate on decks, flowers and patios, but can be cleaned up with just one use of the power washer. Just be sure not to get the water under siding where moisture can cause damage.
• Plant annuals. Perennials are wonderful if your building a long term garden but they are expensive and tend to bloom for short periods of time. For color and impact add annuals that don't require a lot of care such as impatiens, petunias, and geraniums. Potted followers and hanging baskets brighten dull spots in a yard, plus you can take them with you when you move.
• Plant a garden. If you have a sunny corner a small raised bed with veggies or herbs can suggest your yard is useful as well as pretty. But stay away from plants like corn that suggest barnyard.
• String a hammock. Nothing suggests an easy life like a hammock. If you dont have two close trees spring for a hammock stand.
• Create conversation areas. Draw attention to a birdhouse by placing two colorful chairs and an end table facing it.