Savvy agents understand that staging homes both indoors and outdoors is vitally important. Here are a few tips to help ensure that your backyard is as distinctive as what’s inside:

Create a conversation area with furniture: The area needn’t be elaborate; just two chairs pulled close together with a table between can make even the most basic concrete patio special. An outdoor eating option is even more inviting.

Remember the kids: If you have a tree house, fix it up and paint it bright colors or add sporty designs to get the attention of the kids. Just make sure the tree house is safe. Add a tire swing to a tree and have a basket of balls, toys and a jump rope so kids dragged along can play in the yard.

Firepits/hearths: Few home improvements create the “wow” factor that a backyard fireplace or firepit will. It can create the appeal of a home’s interior in the backyard.