7 minute read
SMALL YARD? BIG
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.
SHELLY WILSON
Top Agent Shelly Wilson serves Indianapolis, with a focus on the west side of the city including Plainfield, Avon, Eagle Creek, Danville, Speedway, Brownsburg, Martinsville, and Greenwood.
10 Copyright Top Agent Magazine Shelly Wilson had a national career in software sales, but after having children, she stayed home to care for them for a few years. Once they were in school, she became interested in pursuing a career closer to home, and decided to try real estate. “I got my first contract the day I received my license,” she says. “I thought at first I would just sell a couple houses a year to help with family income, but it soon became an obsession.” Her first year, she closed over $4 million in transactions and she’s been growing her business ever since. She serves Indianapolis, with a focus on the west side of the city including Plainfield, Avon, Eagle Creek, Danville, Speedway, Brownsburg, Martinsville, and Greenwood.
Now with five years in the business, an impressive 70% of her business comes from repeat and referral customers. Her clients keep coming back and are eager to spread the word about Shelly to their friends and family because she not only provides excellent service and expertise, she also truly cares about them. “My clients and I become friends. I really like to get to know them,” she explains. Shelly takes the time to understand her clients’ goals for both the transaction and the next phase of their lives. With her knack for problem solving, when hurdles in the process arise, she’s able to take a step back and calmly guide her clients. She is the highest selling individual agent in her RE/MAX office of over 50 agents. The secret to her success lies in her
work ethic. “I put in nine to ten hours on a slow day on behalf of my clients and my business,” she explains. To stay in touch with past clients, she sends personal cards, reaches out via social media, and makes sure to touch base to commemorate happy occasions and major life events.
When it comes time to market listings, Shelly keeps in mind that in today’s market, most clients start their search for a home online. She posts ads on Facebook, Google
12 Copyright Top Agent Magazine Ads, and LinkedIn, as well as other digital platforms. She also reaches out to her broad sphere of influence to connect buyers and sellers. This thorough and thoughtful approach results in quick sales at excellent prices. In 2019, she completed over $9.2 million in transactions.
What’s Shelly’s favorite part of the job? “I love the people I met! And because I do everything on my own, I control my own creativity and branding.” She’s also passionate
about helping newer agents to become real estate experts in their own rights. “As a mentor for our team, I mentor multiplenew agents who join us,” Shelly says. “I help them get their businesses ramped up and strategize with them about how they can
connect with their first clients. I also take them on appointments with me and they shadow my transactions. By the time they finish with the mentor program they are already successful themselves.” To give back to the community, Shelly sits on the
board of Peace Restored, a nonprofit based in Mooresville that helps women find hope and healing from difficult life experiences such as divorce, physical or sexual abuse, or the death of a spouse. In her cherished free time, Shelly enjoys hiking, camping, and
fishing with her family. “When I’m out on our rowboat, I’m totally happy,” she says. For 2020, she has a bold goal of closing $12 million in transactions while continuing to provide incredible, boutique service to each of her clients.
