Spring is house hunting season, and if you are in the market to sell don’t forget some prime real estate within your home– your outdoor space. 

Now is a great time to appeal to a buyer’s outdoor sensibilities by staging your outdoor space.  Staging a dining area or casual conversation area is always a good idea, and don’t forget one essential component, shade!

This does not mean that you must contract to build a patio cover if you don’t already have one.  There are many cost effective alternatives to creating a cool, creative outdoor space.  One of my favorites is using a market umbrella.  A market umbrella easily transforms any space into an upscale look, such as those found in exclusive hotels and restaurant patio dining areas.  Market umbrellas also come in a variety of different colors which appeals to a broad audience, from conservative neutrals to bright pops of color.

With these choices, you won’t have to spend an arm and a leg:

Pottery Barn has market umbrellas priced from $99.

Wal-Mart has some, too, and with this chic Delahey Coastal Blue model at $49, you’ll have more room in the budget for other accessories!

Cost Plus World Market has some smart looking umbrellas that will certainly bring life back into your outdoor space.  One of my favorites is this Embroidered Umbrella at$129, beautiful!