If you're planning to sell your home and have an outdoor sectional, real estate expert Melissa Zimbelman, broker-owner of LUXE International Realty in Las Vegas, says it might be time to rethink your patio setup. Once a must-have, these oversized pieces of outdoor furniture are now considered a challenge when it comes to staging your home for sale—and according to Melissa, there are good reasons why.
They’re Tricky to Stage
"Outdoor sectionals are similar to indoor ones in that they're bulky, take up a lot of space, and don’t offer much flexibility," Melissa explains. “Most yards or patios have limited flat, hard surface areas to place large sectionals properly.” That limitation often forces homeowners into an “all or nothing” scenario, whereas smaller, more modular pieces allow for creative arrangements that better highlight the full potential of an outdoor space.
They Restrict the Buyer’s Imagination
When buyers tour a home, they’re not just looking at what’s there—they’re imagining what could be. “Your outdoor sectional only presents one type of lifestyle,” says Melissa. “It doesn’t showcase the full range of possibilities, whether that’s outdoor dining, relaxing in a hammock, or entertaining guests around a firepit.”
By keeping staging flexible, sellers can better appeal to the wide variety of ways buyers may want to use the space. “Creating a visual that allows people to picture themselves relaxing, hosting, or even gardening is key,” Melissa adds. “It helps potential buyers fall in love with the home—not just the furniture.”
Sectionals Are Often “All or Nothing”
Large outdoor sectionals can also be a headache for homeowners who want to slowly update their space. “These pieces are rarely easy to break up or replace in stages,” Melissa notes. “Due to their size and shape, they often have to be kept in full or removed entirely to make room for anything new.” That can be a big ask for sellers, especially when replacing a full patio set isn’t in the budget.
But You Don’t Necessarily Need to Toss It
Still, Melissa is quick to note that you don’t have to break the bank to make your space buyer-ready. “If a new furniture set isn’t in the cards, there are plenty of ways to make the most of what you already have,” she says. “Look online for creative inspiration—some sellers have found great success in splitting their sectionals into smaller arrangements or staging just a portion of the set to open up the space.”
The key takeaway from Melissa? When it comes to selling your home, every detail counts—and that includes what’s in your backyard. With a few thoughtful adjustments, you can make your outdoor space just as compelling as the rest of your home.