I have many home shoppers who after walking in the front door, make a beeline through the house to see what the back yard looks like. Our sunny SoCal climate beckons us to come out and sit a spell.

Hanging outside is good for our mental and physical wellbeing. And having an outdoor retreat adds value to your property: Upwards of 80 percent of homebuyers said patios and front porches are “essential” or “desirable,” according to the “What Buyers Really Want” survey from the National Association of Home Builders.

What can you do to liven up your home’s outdoor spaces? To begin, go overboard on comfy. Make sure your outdoor seating is comfortable and splurge on some soft cushions for the patio furniture.

Most are weather resistant – and rain is rarely in the forecast. Lay down outdoor rugs so you are just as comfortable barefoot as you are inside. Revive rusted patio furniture by scraping with a wire brush or steel wool and spray on a fresh coat of colorful paint.

Pretty up the patio with a new potted plant, flower box or garden statue. If your outdoor space lacks privacy, add an arbor or trellis along the fence for climbing vines to grow.

To keep everyone in the family happy, create a broadband paradise. Our devices and electronics can keep us inside on lock down, and since no one wants to give up their digital toys, boot up your outdoor space so you can still post to Instagram or watch crazy cat videos while lounging on the patio.

Weatherproof wireless access points can extend your Wi-Fi signal to outdoor patios or pool areas. Avariety of wireless speakers now available make it easy to bring your favorite tunes outdoors.

Blur the line between indoors and out by creating a seamless transition between your home’s interior and exterior. Replacing a standard door opening with sliding glass or French doors will give your home high impact appeal. Use the same color theme on the patio as in the room leading to your backyard.

Light up the night. Outdoor lighting dresses up your home’s marketability and appeal, makes it safer, and lets you spend more time outside. Use up lighting to highlight trees, architectural details, or other focal points. Add sconces or pendant lights to make evening entertaining, grilling, and reading easier.

Illuminate walkways, rails, and steps with landscape solar lights, and hang fairy or string lights to set an enchanting tone. A fire pit will magically draw friends and family together and add instant ambiance.

Adriana Donofrio Podley Properties Glendora (626) 926-9700 adrianad@podley.com