It’s that time of year…

Lately, I’ve been seeing more homeowners shift their focus away from big interior projects and toward their outdoor space. Backyards, patios, and simple outdoor setups are becoming a bigger priority. Not for resale, but for how the home actually gets used every day. It lines up with a recent study showing 77% of homeowners are planning backyard upgrades this year, mostly focused on comfort and function.

Things like:

• Better seating areas

• Cleaner landscaping

• Space to relax or spend time with friends and family

It’s less about “impressing buyers” and more about enjoying where you live. And interestingly, these are also the kinds of features that tend to stand out when buyers walk through a home. Have you thought about making any changes to your space this year, or are you pretty happy with how it is right now?

—Jennifer Martin