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SMALL YARD? BIG STATEMENT
Small Yard? Big Statement: How to Make the Most Out of Micro Outdoor Spaces
When house-hunters compile their lists of musthave home items, a dreamy backyard space is often near the top. After all, who doesn’t want an outdoor oasis of their very own? From summer barbecues to open space for your dog to frolic— everyone has their own aspirations when it comes to creating the perfect backyard paradise. But as homebuyers seek properties deeper within city limits, and Millennials opt for properties with urban amenities and access, home-connected outdoor spaces are becoming a bit smaller in stature. Of course, size isn’t everything when it comes to outdoor space. Even balconies, rear patios, and ultra-tiny yards can provide homebuyers with the outdoor reprieve they crave—even on a smaller scale. For a few ideas that can help you envision all the possibilities of a micro outdoor space, read on for inspiration.
Think vertically.
When space is at a premium, think up instead of out. In other words, make the most of small spaces by capitalizing on your backyard, balcony, or patio’s overhead height. Mood-setting string lights, hanging pocket or wall gardens, floating shelves, and modern overhead hangings can create a sense of privacy and luxury without cluttering the square footage on the ground. retailers make a variety of punchy or luxe outdoor rugs that can disguise stained or lackluster outdoor flooring. Power-washing is another great solution for old grime and dirt that’s an eyesore. Don’t have a great view? Planting ivy on bare walls, installing adjustable mood lighting, or hanging planters can create a more inviting ambiance.
Upgrade the look of structural components.
Not in love with your patio pavers? Don’t have the sweetest view off your balcony? Whatever your small backyard living space gripe may be, there’s always a solution if you go back to the basics. Consider the structural components of your outdoor space that you aren’t in love with and there’s likely an affordable, eye-pleasing solution. For instance, plenty of home goods
Soothing sounds set the mood.
While there may not be room for a swimming pool or pond in a micro yard or balcony, you can still bring the calming presence of water to your outdoor oasis. Fountains run the gamut in sizing and price, making this amenity an easy acquisition. What’s more, a running fountain not only adds a soothing sound to your space, but it also helps drown out noise from the street or the neighbors—making your space entirely your own and stress-free.
Don’t compromise on your culinary dreams.
If you love to entertain in outdoor spaces or relish the chance to man the grill—small outdoor spaces don’t have to trip you up. Grill options (both propane and charcoal) come in a range of sizes, many of which can be outfitted securely to balcony posts or be tucked away and out of sight when out of use. Consider nesting tables or those with a removable leaf to adjust your seating and dining options depending on company. Another trick? A small, oscillating fan can keep air flow moving in a small space during grill season—and can be easily affixed to walls or posts, as well.
Don’t let yourself or clients be discouraged by spaces with more limited square footage in outdoor areas. Furniture and design trends have already begun shifting toward providing better small-space options, and at the end of the day, a backyard space is all about providing an area for relaxation. With a few well-placed, strategic choices, you can still have it all.
FRANK “CAMPO” CAMPOBASSO
Top Agent Frank Campobasso serves the northwestern Chicagoland area, especially the northwestern suburbs, including Elmwood Park, River Grove, and Addiso n.
Frank Campobasso got started in real estate while working at the Cook County Assessor’s office in early 2002. He was planning on becoming an appraiser for them, and he decided to take a real estate course to prepare. In the process, he found that he really enjoyed real estate and wanted to stick with it. Fast forward, and Frank is now celebrating his 15th year in real estate and has been dubbed by many of his peers, friends, family and clients as “The Wolf of Lake Street” for his ability to negotiate some really fantastic deals for his clients. “With my office Century 21 Lullo being located on “Lake Street, it kind of just stuck and to tell you the truth, I thought it was kind of a compliment,” Frank explains. His clients
know him as helpful, reliable, and responsive to their needs.
It doesn’t stop at great negotiation and dependability, though: Frankhas won many awards for outstanding service and customer satisfaction. “If you want to stay in business,” Frank says, “your clients must be happy.” He always shows potential clients his satisfaction surveys and testimonials, and provides them with a list of past clients as referrals.
Frank serves the Northwestern Chicagoland area, including Elmwood Park, Franklin Park, River Grove and Addison. About 60-70% of his business comes from repeat and referral
clients, and Frank credits this to his accessibility and responsiveness. “The most important part of customer service is just being there for your client,” Frank says. “Answer your phone, return your calls. I’m always by my phone. If I can’t answer, I’m calling back right away. Communication is the most important thing in keeping people happy.”
Frank is definitely known for getting his clients results. Marketing is a passion for him, and his approach includes extensive advertising and outreach on social media. “I do a lot of sponsored ads and posts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn,” Frank says, “and I’m involved in a
12 Copyright Top Agent Magazine lot of local community groups on social media. Social media has changed the game in the last 10 years. I don’t even know what a post card mailing even is anymore or why we are still doing this as agents. I can reach 100 times more people on social media for a fraction of the cost of a mailing. It’s also probably one of the best ways to showcase and advertise your listings if done right.It’s smart business!” He uses these resources to publicize listings and recent sales, and to build rapport with people in the area. Frank’s social media presence has generated enough local interest that he has been interviewed three times for the local Townstone Financial radio show as well as in Chicago Crain’s Business.
“Being recognized by business journals, newspapers and radio shows has done very well for my business, but my business still comes primarily from referrals, past clients and through my own contacts,” Frank explains. “I bring a high level of detail to every listing or transaction.I connect my clients to other professionals like stagers, attorneys and inspectors that also provide a high level of service. I only refer people I know will do a great job and I think that’s one of the things that may be setting me apart. It gives me a great amount of pleasure that I can provide this type of service to the communities I serve.”
The majority of Frank’s business is made up of listings, and the way he markets sets him apart. “I do a lot of virtual staging with properties,”Franksays. “Sometimes I have properties professionally staged, and sometimes I will even come in and do some staging myself.” Clients appreciate the extra level of service that Frank provides. “I invest a lot into marketing a property than many agents do. I’ll do sponsored posts on Facebook and target a geographic area, within a 10- or 20-mile radius, to bring more traffic to a property. My listings get a lot of traffic, and I think that’s why they sell.”
Frank also keeps his finger on the pulse of the communities he serves, and participates in the 4th of July parade in Elmwood Park every year. “It takes months and months of planning,
my mother and children even help, and we invite everyone in the community to join us on our trolley or walk the parade with us,” Frank says. He estimates that each year they distribute over 7,000 flags and 500 pounds of candy, making it a big deal in the community.
In the future, Frank plans to step up his marketing game even further and begin producing more video and online ads.“I love the challenge of what I do,” he says. “I like helping people. Often people are worried that their house isn’t going to sell because they read this article or that article about prices and the market. Then I come in, and all of a sudden their property is getting a ton of showings, and it’s under contract quickly, and they’re so happy with me. That’s the best part of what I do and it makes me feel really good.”
Photos by Aldo Risolvo, D’Lara Photography.
