I once had a seller who hadn't done much to the inside of her home as far as renovations went, but she had put all of her effort and love into her outdoor space and garden, transforming it into a magical "Muskoka" like setting in the city. All to say, it was her captivating yard that attracted the buyers who felt they could easily update and personalize the interior of the property, but never could have duplicated her gardening design and years of effort that had been put into it.

Many motivated sellers today are doing everything possible to make their homes more appealing than the competition, but not everyone has the ability to invest in upgrading kitchens and bathrooms or replacing tired looking floors. What many sellers are forgetting and neglecting is the huge potential within their exterior space that can actually expand their living area. You just have to look at the new design in outdoor furniture that now includes lounge chairs, sofas, low tables, fireplaces and affordable gazebo tenting that allows you to remain outdoors regardless of the weather, rain or sun. Homeowners are even purchasing tall heating lights that once would have been used only on restaurant patios. Even these have become much more affordable.

Many of the properties in the west end of Toronto in such neighbourhoods as Bloor West Village, High Park, Roncesvalles Village or Swansea don't necessarily have huge lots, but these areas can still be transformed into huge selling features.   

The least expensive way to add value to your property is to either build a new deck or transform the one you already have so that it seamlessly flows with the rest of your house. A great deck and exterior living area can set your home apart from others.

More than ever, people are looking at decks and yards as their private get away or cottage in the city. Cooking areas with sinks are now used by the BBQ area and fire pits are used for ambiance and warmth. An array of potted plants with flowers can be used in areas that lack planted flowerbeds.

With different choices today of decking materials, lighting, rail systems and decorative accents, you can turn a nondescript deck into an awesome focal point of the house that grabs everyone's attention.

Staging does not end in the inside of the house! Remember that when adding details to your deck and yard and think ambiance and mood when showing buyers endless possibilities for your property.

It doesn't matter if the space you're working with is small, you can still transform your yard and deck area into a magical oasis. Buyers will always react positively to a nice area that looks like a great place for them to hang out with family and friends. If they're looking at similar places, the one with the better outdoor space will usually come out ahead.

If you are thinking of making a move and would like to discuss marketing and staging ideas for your property, contact April Esteves at april@aprilesteves.com