The Soccer Ball Test: Finding Your Family's Perfect Backyard

When house-hunting, families often focus on bedroom count, kitchen size, and school districts—but the humble backyard deserves equal consideration. After decades in real estate, I've developed what I call "the soccer ball test" to help families find their ideal outdoor space.

What is the Soccer Ball Test?

The concept is beautifully simple: A perfect family backyard should provide enough room for children to comfortably kick around a soccer ball without constantly sending it over the fence or through a window.
This simple metric has proven remarkably reliable for finding that elusive "just right" backyard size—one that balances family fun with practical maintenance.

Too Small: The Neighbor's Yard Becomes Your Extended Play Area

A backyard that's too compact creates immediate challenges:


  • Balls constantly landing in neighboring yards (leading to awkward retrievals)
  • Higher risk of broken windows and damaged landscaping
  • Limited space for family gatherings or multiple activities
  • Children who feel confined may seek entertainment elsewhere



These smaller yards might look manageable on paper, but they often create more headaches than harmony.

Too Large: When Weekend Relaxation Becomes Yard Work

Conversely, oversized yards come with their own set of challenges:


  • Maintenance becomes a significant time commitment
  • Landscaping and upkeep costs increase substantially
  • Unused space often becomes neglected over time
  • Valuable free time gets consumed by endless yard work



Remember: You're buying not just property, but how you'll spend your weekends for years to come.

The Perfect Balance: Creating a Memory-Making Space

The ideal backyard hits that sweet spot where memories are made without overwhelming maintenance:



  • Room for impromptu family soccer games or catch
  • Space for entertaining and outdoor dining
  • A manageable garden corner for those with green thumbs
  • Areas for both sun and shade throughout the day
  • Enough room for children to explore while remaining within sight

Beyond Square Footage: Investing in Family Moments

Your backyard represents more than just additional square footage—it's an investment in countless family memories:



  • Summer barbecues where conversations flow late into the evening
  • Fall afternoons spent jumping into freshly raked leaf piles
  • Winter mornings building the perfect snowman
  • Spring days planting gardens and watching them bloom

These moments form the backdrop of childhood and family life that kids carry with them into adulthood.

Finding Your Perfect Balance

As you tour potential homes, take a moment to envision your family life unfolding in each backyard. Bring along a soccer ball if it helps! Consider not just how the space looks today, but how it will function for your family in all seasons and as children grow.



The perfect backyard is out there—one where the soccer ball stays within bounds, maintenance feels manageable, and memories have room to grow.


Looking for your perfect backyard balance? I'd love to help you find a home that passes the soccer ball test. Contact me today to start your search!

July Message from Jess Watts

By Jessica Watts • July 15, 2025
I blinked and we are well into July. I hope you are having a beautiful summer. It has been great to see everyone supporting their community recreation programs- and I want to hear about why you are loving yours!! The real estate market is still going strong. Inventory is still low overall, but I am seeing an uptick in certain areas which is great news for buyers! For sellers, we are still seeing prices soar in certain areas. The difference is now, buyers aren’t just picking up any house. So preparing your home is critical. I am helping sellers up to 6 months prior to listing. Remember, my knowledge is your super power. Lastly, in response to all of the grant cuts that have taken place, I have launched a GIVE BACK program. All of my clients will have donations made in their name to a local non for profit of their choice. I can’t wait to help make our communities stronger. Stay tuned for event updates. Yoga in the Garden is coming soon, just trying to finalize the date. Keep having the best summer, and we will chat soon.

5 Things Every Seller Should Know Before Listing Their Home

By Jessica Watts • July 7, 2025
Thinking about selling your home? Before the "For Sale" sign goes up, there are a few key things you should know — the kind of things that can help your property stand out and sell for top dollar. Here’s what I tell every seller I work with.

Annual Pound Ridge Garden Party

By Jessica Watts • July 2, 2025
Once a year, Jenn Wage or Northern Westchester Moms and I host a garden party in Pound Ridge. This year we had 50 wonderful people attend.
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