Outdoor lighting is the ideal complement to an exterior home staging plan. While most home sellers realize that the lighting inside their homes may need enhancing and updating, so few consider improving the aesthetic qualities of the outside lighting around their properties. I always suggest the topic of outdoor illumination to my clients, as the lighting on the outside of the home can make the strongest statement of all, especially in terms of improving overall curb appeal, as well as providing a comforting sense of security to prospective buyers.
This essay highlights the need for exterior illumination, as well as how to perfectly prepare your outdoor spaces to receive loads of potential buyers, using exterior lighting tactics.
Outdoor Lighting Installation
Most outside lighting applications must be installed by professional electricians or qualified and experienced do-it-yourselfers. I do not recommend playing with live wiring, unless you are fully versed in the scope of the project. However, just because a professional is needed in some cases, does not make the installation of outside illumination an expensive proposition.
Generally, outdoor fixtures can be changed out for a small investment and home owners can save more by purchasing the fixtures themselves and getting them all installed at one time.
Outdoor Lighting Tips
Here are some of the home staging uses for exterior lighting that I use to improve the appeal of the exterior of my client’s properties:
Try colored spot lights on the front of the home. These do not have to be hardwired and can be purchased for about $10 each.
Make sure to illuminate outdoor entertaining spaces, such as patios, decks and terraces with ample lighting to create a variety of moods.
Security lighting is always a good investment around a yard. These are typically hooked-up to motion detectors, to make them more energy efficient.
Solar-powered fixtures can be used almost anywhere, adding an eco-friendly green touch to your outside lighting plan.
Outside Lighting Optimization
There is a good chance that any seriously interested buyer will want to view your property at night. If they like what they see, an offer will be imminent. If not, they may just decide to look elsewhere. Do not limit your home’s appeal to the daytime hours alone. Instead, stage your home for 24 hour aesthetics and functionality, which will delight all your prospective buyers.
Home staging with lighting is an inexpensive and super easy way to make drastic improvements in your house and statistics clearly show that lighting is always a safe investment.
Here’s a helpful hint: Try shopping at large home improvement stores to save tons of money on comparable fixtures that are also sold at dedicated lighting stores.