My Two-Hour Patio Makeover

Calling it a Makeover is an exaggeration. But it was definitely a Spruce Up.

When a friend listed her home, the patio (that she never seemed to have time to enjoy) needed some attention.

Like most people getting ready to sell and move, she didn't want to sink money into things like patio furniture or potted plants.

So I loaned her what I had -- a couple of wire chairs and matching bench, some annuals in planters, and elbow grease.

Step one was to get rid of empty flower pots, and leaves that had blown in.

Step two was to to weed what could be considered a flower bed --a short strip of soil near the fence that was mulched with marble chips.

Step three was to scrub the concrete with a bleach solution.

Step four was to bring in the furniture and flowers. I stated at one o'clock and was finished at three o'clock.

Often a simple clean-up and dress-up is all that a room or a space needs to get it ready for a home tour.

This is what I started with -- a neglected area off the side of the home, full of potential. 

It was a simple four-step job to whip this patio into shape.

I chose flowers that would stay in bloom and didn't need much attention. 
These spring flowers lasted two months -- until the new owner moved in! 

I'm glad that my friend is able to enjoy her patio until her house sold.

My $5 eBook, DIY Home Staging Tips to Sell Your Home Fast and For Top Dollar, gives you more advice to help sell your home by staging it yourself on a shoestring. You'll get all the tips and techniques you need to make cleaning, decluttering and staging easy and effective!