As the sun shines brighter in the Waterloo Region, the real estate market also seems to come alive. Warm summer days and the excitement of exploring new homes bring out potential buyers in droves. It's the ideal time for families looking for a fresh start before the new school year, and for sellers, it provides the perfect opportunity to leave the house in their real estate agent's capable hands for showings.
The vibrancy of summer also allows you to show off your home's outdoor space and landscaping in all its glory. However, mastering the art of summertime gardening can be tricky. Don't worry, though; you don't need to be an expert gardener or spend hours to make your outdoors shine. Here are some fun yet practical summer landscaping dos and don'ts to help you stage your outdoor space effectively and sell your Waterloo Region home in no time.
Summer Landscaping Dos
1. Show Your Lawn Some Love
A vibrant, green lawn is the visual treat that many potential buyers love. Sadly, you can't flaunt this feature during the colder months. So, it's time to pull up your sleeves and give your lawn the attention it needs this summer.
Visit your local garden center, and you'll find a range of fertilizers suited for your lawn type. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask the friendly staff who will help you make the right choice. Apply the fertilizer following the instructions on the label, and steer clear of this task on exceptionally hot days when the temperature might exceed 32°C (90°F).
2. Play With Colours
Summer is synonymous with bold and beautiful colours. On your next visit to the garden centre, keep an eye out for partially grown plants that can add an instant burst of colour and visual interest to your outdoor space.
Flowers like asters, dahlias, begonias, and marigolds are great choices that not only add colour but also stand up well to the summer heat.
3. Set Up an Outdoor Dining Space
There's something about the thought of dining alfresco that brings a sense of joy and relaxation. Even if you don't dine outdoors often, setting up an outdoor dining space is a must.
A simple bistro set and some solar lighting can be just as effective as a more sophisticated outdoor dining table. This setup will spark potential buyers' imaginations and make your home even more appealing and can be set up quickly and inexpensively.
4. Keep Your Water Features Clean
If your property includes a water feature, like a pond or a fountain, be sure to keep it clean and in working order. Water features can provide a calming and appealing aspect to your outdoor space that buyers love, but only if they look good and function properly.
Ensure the water is clear, any lighting is functional, and that any surrounding area is free of debris. If you have a fountain, make sure it's running smoothly for viewings - the sound of trickling water can create a tranquil atmosphere that's almost magical, but a broken fountain or waterfall will give off a vibe that is quite the opposite.
Summer Landscaping Don'ts
1. Don't Go Overboard With Lawn Mowing
A lush green lawn doesn't mean cutting it excessively short every few days. Doing so leads to less drought-tolerance, uneven growth, more weeds, and shallow roots. Ensure you're not cutting off more than one-third of its current height during each mowing session.
2. Keep Weeds Under Control
Weeds can sprout quickly, even in the best-maintained gardens. However, it's essential to deal with them before they take root and begin to seed. A dedicated weeding tool and a weekly weeding schedule will keep your garden in tip-top shape.
3. Avoid Complex Plant Choices
Some plants and flowers, though gorgeous, can be rather demanding and hard to care for in the summer. For example, roses, while beautiful, are susceptible to various pests and diseases and require constant monitoring. Similarly, ferns require a specific balance of sunlight and shade and a certain soil type to thrive.
Instead of these high-maintenance plants, consider easier-to-care-for alternatives. Lavenders, with their attractive purple blooms, are quite hardy and require minimal care once established. Similarly, ornamental grasses like fountain grass or feather reed grass can add interest to your garden with their height and movement, yet are incredibly easy to maintain.
Remember, while homebuyers appreciate an attractive outdoor space, they may worry about the maintenance involved. Showcasing an outdoor area that's beautiful yet easy to care for can give you an edge in the market.
4. Don't Neglect Your Garden Tools
Potential buyers will likely take a peek inside your shed or garage. Don't let a mess of garden tools give the impression that maintaining the garden is a daunting task. Keep your garden tools clean, organized, and well-maintained. This simple step can further convince buyers that your outdoor space is easy to care for.
Embracing the splendour of the summer season can make a considerable difference when selling your Waterloo Region home. Still, the process can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's where Team Pinto, your trusted local Realtors, come into play.
As seasoned Realtors, Team Pinto is intimately familiar with the ebbs and flows of the Waterloo Region real estate market. We believe every home has its unique charm, and our mission is to accentuate that charm to attract potential buyers. Our team will provide personalized guidance throughout your home selling journey, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way.
At Team Pinto, we're not just about making a sale - we're about creating connections. We understand the importance of staging your home in a way that not only meets market trends but also resonates with its unique character. We'll help you capitalize on the summer season, turning your outdoor space into a captivating showcase that stands out in the competitive Waterloo market.
So, are you ready to harness the power of the summer selling season? Reach out to Team Pinto today. Together, we can create an inviting, memorable first impression that potential buyers can't resist. With Team Pinto by your side, selling your home can be just as exciting and fulfilling as the journey of finding your dream home. We're more than Realtors - we're your partners in making your next big move a resounding success.