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.

CINDY LOCKHART

CINDY LOCKHART

Serving the Greater Nashville area, Top Agent Cindy Lockhart delivers a top-notch experience, from high-end promotion and staging to sharing her expertise and making the buying and selling experience that much easier.

Cindy Lockhart began working in real estate in 1984, and since then she has taken pride in the strong personal connections that propel her business. For the past 36 years, Cindy’s driving passion has been providing the best service for her clients. Clients know they can count on her to deliver a top-notch experience, from high-end promotion and staging to sharing her expertise and making the buying and selling experience that much easier.

Cindy serves the Greater Nashville area, including Davidson, Williamson, and surrounding counties. She thrives on the relationships she forges, with over 80% of her business coming from repeat and referral clients. “I go the

extra mile,” she says. “I offer lots of extras. I believe in exceeding expectations, and I have lots of experience. So if there is an issue, which there usually is in any real estate transaction, I have the wisdom and experience to get through that situation and get the property closed.”

She believes in giving her clients the best value, and going above and beyond what one would normally get from a Realtor. When preparing a home to be put on the market, she provides the services of a professional stager as part of her marketing plan. She also arranges for high-quality photos of the

“I go the extra mile, I offer lots of extras. I believe in exceeding expectations, and I have lots of experience. So if there is an issue, which there usually is in any real estate transaction, I have the wisdom and experience to get through that situation and get the property closed.”

property, to make for that extra “wow” factor and grab a potential buyer’s attention. “I make sure that the property is picture-perfect before it even hits the market,” she explains.

Cindy also relies on her impressive connections in local real estate to give her clients a valuable heads-up on what properties are about to come on the market. “I know a lot of agents, so I have an inside scoop on what’s coming

12 Copyright Top Agent Magazine soon,” she explains. “So if I’m working with a buyer I can often get them into a property a lot sooner and give them the information before it even hits the market.”

Pre-marketing is a key factor in Cindy’s success as a realtor. She especially tailors her approach to each listing she handles, using whichever methods the situation calls for, from social media to working with agents in the

area. In a typical year, she handles around 30 properties, averaging over $10 million a year in transactions, with a median home price of approximately $400,000 to $500,000.

Cindy Lockhart puts in the effort to keep in touch with clients after the sale is closed, ensuring that these relationships will keep

going strong. She touches base at least once a month, via mailings—calendars, postcards, and Christmas cards among them—as well as contacting people directly to check in and see how they’re doing. In addition to her professionalism and hard work, it’s this personal touch that keeps clients coming back to Cindy and referring their friends.

When she’s not working, Cindy volunteers her time to Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. She also loves camping, kayaking, and visiting with her three beautiful grandchildren.

Cindy’s plans for the future include growing her business, and also continuing her passion of flipping houses. She hopes to flip two to three this year, and is working on one right now. “I love houses,” she says. “I really enjoy going in and making them look great so not only will they sell quickly but the buyers will be happy.” Cindy’s motto is “A win-win situation is always the best!”

To find out more about Cindy Lockhart (Broker, CRS, COE, Lifetime Member Million Dollar Sales Club),

contact her by cell at 615-300-7567 or at her office 615-771-6620 at Crye-Leike Realtors.

You can also contact her by email at cindy@cindylockhart.com

or check her out online at

http://cindylockhart.com