7 minute read
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.
Top Agent Magazine
ALEXANDRA CONIGLIARO BIEGA
Alex and Rob lead The Biega + Kilgore Team at Compass service Downtown Boston, specifically, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South End, Seaport and South Boston.
After graduating from Harvard in 2013, Alexandra Biega worked at Brown Brothers Harriman before she decided to explore real estate. At first thinking it would be just a fun idea, Alexandra soon realized that being a REALTOR ® was a true passion. Only two years into her career at Coldwell Banker, Alexandra partnered with Rob Kilgore, who had been a successful agent for 17 years.Today, Alex and Robnow lead a six person team.The Biega + Kilgore Team at Compass services sellers, buyers, landlords, tenants and developers in Downtown Boston, specifically, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South End, Seaport and South Boston. Over the past 3 years as a team, Alex and Rob have transacted over $350 million of property.
Alexandra credits her high rate of repeat and referral clients down to the fact that each
person she works with is viewed as a new relationship, instead of just a transaction, as well as her dedication to going above and beyond to find the perfect home for each client.Due to her strong connections in the marketplace, many client transactions involve properties not on the
market. “We don’t just say, ‘Thanks for your business, see you later!’ We care about our clients, and engage in a lot of client entertainment to stay in touch and spend time with them. We have big summer and holiday parties, as well as smaller group events in-between.” Alexandra
says that a lot of her past clients have become good friends of hers and that is one of her favorite things about this business! Friends become clients, and clients become friends.
In terms of marketing, Alexandra is a firm believer in social media and digital marketing. She personally runs the team’s Instagram page [@biegakilgoreteam] and engages followers, friends and clients by posting at least once a day. Her efforts have paid off, as she recently closed a $1.25 million property solely marketed on Instagram. Her team transacted $135 million in volume last year, with an average price of $1.65 million.
For Alexandra and her team, giving back to the community is important, which is why they aim to ensure most events involve a charity component. She likes working with Cradles to Crayons, which provides resources to homeless or low-income children and each year at the their holiday party the team collects hats and gloves for the charity.More recently since COVID-19, her team delivered 30 lunches to nurses at Brigham and Women’s hospital.
Outside of work, Alexandra enjoys spending time with family as well as attending work out classes and running along the Charles River.
While some agents cherish working alone, Alexandra believes having a business partner and team is one of the greatest tools for success.
“Having a compatible, complementary business partner is key to our success. Both of us are working 24/7, which enables us to service clients at an elite level. Someone is always available to talk with a client and answer any urgent questions they may have.” As for advice for agents who are just entering the sphere of
real estate, Alexandra stresses that it takes a lot of work and commitment to consistently perform, especially in the competitive Boston market. “I love this business, and meeting new people every day. However, I almost never stop working. I did a deal while on my honeymoon in Hawaii, and my client never even knew that I left!”
In the future, Alexandra would love to grow her business alongside her business partner, but as always she’s keeping her clients as her main focus. “Growth is always the goal, but not at the expense of our clients. We never want to get so big that our clients become just a number to us. We want to make sure they’re taken care of the way they deserve to be.”
