SMALL YARD?

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.

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 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.

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.

LISA & DAVID SIMPSON

Recognized as the #1 KW team in Metro Atlanta, the Lisa Simpson Team closed 155 transactions for $38 million in sales in 2020.

There’s a lot to love about Atlanta, Georgia, whether it’s the Southern hospitality of the people, the gorgeous architecture, the good eats, or the vibrant culture. And if you’re planning to move there, you’re going to fall hard for Lisa Simpson’s I Heart Atlanta Realty too. Lisa got her license in 2014 at the urging of friends, who suggested that she had the right kind of personality for the business. Almost immediately Lisa began outselling many other agents in her brokerage. Over the next three years her North Atlanta business doubled and

then tripled, with so many leads coming in that her husband David got his license to help with the volume, and the Lisa Simpson Team was born. In 2020 they closed 155 transactions for $38 million in sales and—for their unflagging devotion to their clients’ needs throughout the pandemic—the Cobb Association of Realtors selected them out of 3200 Realtors to receive the Resilience Award. At the 2020 Keller Williams Southeast Regional awards they were recognized as the #1 KW team in Metro Atlanta and were #2 in highest closed sales volume for their state. They were the #4 real estate team for the Southeast Region, which includes Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. Not surprisingly, ninety-nine percent of their business comes from referrals. Lisa laughs as she explains the team’s success. “Our ‘repeat offenders,’ as we call our returning clients, know we’re going to give them excellent customer service. David and I are great negotiators, so they also know we’re going to net them more value than the average agent, whether they’re buying or selling. Our clients like and trust us, and they refer us to everyone.”

The Simpsons stays in touch with clients through social media posts and monthly mailers, and distribute gifts such as mugs or

“David and I are great negotiators, so they also know we’re going to net them more value than the average agent, whether they’re buying or selling. Our clients like and trust us, and they refer us to everyone.”

key chains bearing the company logo—a red map of Georgia with a white heart over the Atlanta area. “I want people to think of us when they see an image of the state,” says Lisa.

The couple utilizes professional photography and videography when marketing their homes, along with a listing strategy that reduces the days-on-market time. “We’re very proactive,” David explains. “We’ve implemented a search system within our MLS that allows me to see which real estate agents have qualified buyers. The second our client’s home hits the market we send a one-page email campaign targeting both agent and buyer.”

Lisa and David are strong supporters of their community, donating to various needs at their boys’ elementary school. They’re

also heavy backers of Rescuing Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to lifting up victims of sex trafficking. Last year alone they gave almost ten thousand dollars to the charity, including a year-end bump of five thousand dollars that inspired a donation drive by other supporters to help the organization reach its 2020 goal. When not working the Simpsons are, well… hearting Atlanta. “We’re huge foodies!” says Lisa. “Atlanta has so many unique restaurants and bars and I love discovering them. There are also a lot of wonderful parks here where we like to take our boys. Hanging out by the pool with friends and family is something we enjoy too.”

The couple is very excited about the future of the I Heart Atlanta Realty brand. “We want to keep meeting new people, connecting with new investors, building on the success we’ve created,” Lisa explains. “My goal is to have our clients remember their experience with us as a time when they had a lot of fun and laughs while also getting one of the best deals of their lives.”

Just one more thing to love about Atlanta.

For more information about Lisa or David call them direct at 404-428-7963, or their office at 678-631-1700. Email Lisa@iheartatlanta.com or David@iheartatlanta.com. And follow their Instagram page @iheartatlantarealty!