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Published by Ron Alfred De Guzman | MaxWell Realty Blogs | July 16, 2025

Your backyard could be your biggest selling advantage. Here's how to make it work.

Summer in Western Canada is fleeting—but a well-designed outdoor space can transform both your lifestyle and your property value. Whether you're watching the sun set over the Rockies from your Calgary deck or hosting a barbecue in your Saskatoon backyard, your outdoor space becomes the heart of your home when the weather warms up.

Why Your Outdoor Space Matters More Than Ever

In today's competitive real estate market, outdoor living spaces aren't just nice-to-haves—they're deal-makers. We're seeing buyers prioritize homes with functional outdoor areas, especially as remote work and lifestyle flexibility become more important to Canadian families.

From our experience in markets across Western Canada, a well-designed patio, deck, or garden can:

• Extend your home's usable square footage
• Increase your property's market value
• Set your listing apart from the competition
• Appeal to buyers' desire for work-life balance

Local Insight: In Edmonton's established neighborhoods, homes with thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces often receive multiple offers, while similar properties without these features sit longer on the market.

Design for Our Climate (And Buyers' Expectations)

Multi-Season Functionality Your outdoor space should work beyond July and August. Fire pits, covered areas, and outdoor heaters extend usability well into shoulder seasons—a must-have in places like Edmonton where evenings cool down fast.

Flexible Shade Solutions Retractable awnings or pergolas provide relief from Alberta's intense summer sun while maintaining that open-sky feel buyers love. This flexibility appeals to everyone from sun-seekers to families with young children.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow Large sliding doors and consistent design elements create that "resort at home" feeling. This trend is particularly strong in BC's Lower Mainland, where mild weather supports year-round outdoor living.

The Must-Have Features

Based on our experience across Western Canada, these elements consistently impress buyers:

Weather-Resistant Seating: Invest in materials like powder-coated aluminum or teak that handle everything from chinooks to prairie storms.

Strategic Lighting: String lights for ambiance, path lighting for safety. Good lighting extends your space's usability and creates memorable evening showings.

Fire Features: A fire pit or outdoor fireplace transforms seasonal space into year-round functionality—especially valuable in northern markets.

Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Container gardens and hardy perennials add color without overwhelming maintenance, appealing to busy buyers.

Staging to Sell

When listing your home, your outdoor space is often buyers' first impression:

• Clean and declutter ruthlessly—buyers need to envision their own furniture
• Add seasonal touches like fresh flowers or clean cushions to create emotional connection
• Ensure everything works—lighting, water features, and fire elements should be showcase-ready

Whether you're planning summer improvements or preparing to sell, your outdoor space has untapped potential. Contact your local MaxWell agent to discuss how your backyard can work harder for you. Because the right outdoor space doesn't just sell homes—it sells lifestyles.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered direct real estate or investment advice. Market conditions, property values, and buyer preferences vary by location and change over time. For personalized guidance on your specific property and local market conditions, please contact your local MaxWell Agent who can provide tailored advice based on current market data and your individual circumstances.