Now that summer's here, it's time for your backyard to shine. The right mix of greenery and space for entertaining can put the final twinkle in a potential buyer's eye. No longer just a yard for the kids to run around in, or a garden to plant a few shrubs, backyards are quickly becoming extensions of the home. Outdoor rooms are increasingly common around the country, with features like built-in fire pits, kitchens, and weather-proof furniture that would blend in with the most elegant interior designs.

With outdoor rooms becoming the latest 'it' factor in home decor, it's important to know which additions to your outdoor space will bring value to your home, and which ones will send buyers running in the other direction.

Items that are permanent features could deter potential buyers. They don't want to be stuck with remnants of your tenancy there; they need to feel like the home is theirs, and always has been. Buyers need to be able to see your home as a blank canvass for them to put their personal stamp on, while still being able to see the design potential of the property.

Built-in fire pits are one permanent addition that has become quite popular in the last year or two. Fire pits help create a cozy atmosphere, and can make your outdoor space comfortable all year long. Unfortunately, these units are expensive to install, and not suitable for homeowners who don't entertain on a regular basis.

It is a much better idea to purchase a portable fire pit instead of a built-in one. Much more affordable, these units can be moved to your next home, where they'll help create fond outdoor memories at your next place.

The effect that an in-ground swimming pool can have on a home's property value is difficult to gauge because their perceived value is so subjective. For some buyers, swimming pools are a dream come true, and see it as a kind of one-stop-shop for fun, exercise, and relaxation.

For others, a pool can seriously detract from the property because they only see the costs involved with pool upkeep, as well as the time and hassle that year-round maintenance requires.

If you do decide to add a pool, make sure that you do it for the enjoyment of it rather than for any value it may add to your house. You may also want to consider adding incentives to the deal in order to make nervous pool buyers more relaxed. Incentives can include a year's worth of chemicals or other pool supplies and accessories.

Finicky plants that have very particular lighting and watering needs will add beauty to your yard, but will make potential buyers uneasy. If they are new to gardening or limited on time and money, they will likely prefer to buy a house that has hearty, low maintenance plants. If a buyer is unable to easily maintain your garden's current state, the whole yard will appear unkempt and uninviting. The buyer could hire a gardener to take care of it properly, but this is an added expense that most buyers simply aren't interested in.

If you like to garden, but are thinking about selling your home in the near future, keep things simple. Only purchase plants and trees that can withstand a little neglect, but will still give the yard a lush and tranquil feeling. Imagine potential buyers as knowing nothing about gardening, and plan your landscaping design from there.

PorchLight Real Estate Group combines local market knowledge with cutting edge marketing skills. For more information on Denver CO real estate or to do a Denver MLS search, visit us online at PorchLightGroup.com.