Add Value to Your Home - Landscaping

Just recently my friend had his house appraised between $800,000 and $815,000 by two different independent house valuators. He spent two days hard work in the garden placing new grass on mats, bringing in new plants, putting creepers on the wall, and adding a water feature. He sold his house at an auction two weeks later for $853,500. It only took him a few hours of his work and a few thousand dollars to make a lot of profit.

Some people however believe that a good garden will only sell the house quicker. It is important however to not over-capitalize your garden. A good rule of thumb is for every dollar you spend you'll get around $1.15 back. This still depends on the quality of the work done. Which is why if you know nothing about landscaping contact your local landscaping designer for help.

You must also think twice before deciding to put a pool into your backyard. In many cases these can be seen as a liability as they may cost several thousand dollars a year to run.

You must also think twice before deciding to put a pool into your backyard. In many cases these can be seen as a liability as they may cost several thousand dollars a year to run.

Here are some easy features you can implement that may increase your houses value:

-Mow your lawn! The most obvious. If your grass is dying plant some new grass or use grass mats.

-If you have a pond or pool make sure it is clean, put in fresh water if you have to. Nothing is more disgusting than having grime floating on your pool or dirty leaves. If you have water plants in your pond make sure they are nice eye catchers, for example colorful lilies.

-Trim your trees and shrubs.

-Get rid of all those weeds.

-Clean any pavement areas.

-Make sure your plants aren't dying, instead colorful and vibrant.

-A hot, put scented plants or shrubs near your windows. This can give the house a very nice smell. Something like lavender.

-Weather protection. Be careful about to not spend too much on this.

On the other hand these may decrease your houses value:

- Adding a pool.

- Unmentioned garden, such as dying plants, weeds etc...

- Lack of weather protection.

- Too much concrete.

- Too much clutter. A garden should be spacious.

- Poor linking between garages, utilities, the pool, and the house.

This article is owned by http://www.use-your-equity.com and written by John Whiteside. Learn more about real estate investing, and how to create and use the equity in your home! The original article can be found at http://www.use-your-equity.com/Landscaping.ht ml

---

Storm Damage and Mature Tree Pruning

One winter evening I was working on the computer when the power went out. The freezing rain that had been forecast must have been the culprit. It... Read More

Garden Room Boundaries

The areas of your landscape can be divided into several sections and areas, which are also known as garden rooms. Garden rooms are spaces where you plant,... Read More

Ultra Violet Pond Filter

Having an ultra violet pond filter will give you a much better chance at keeping your pond water clear. When used in conjunction with your regular pond... Read More

A Beautiful Rose Is Natures Gift

Roses are one of natures most beautiful and splendid gifts. Roses come in a variety of colors and scents, from deep, deep red to the brightest yellow.... Read More

Hydroponics Gardening - An Introduction To Hydroponics Gardening For Beginners (Part 3) Lighting

THE BASICS OF HYDROPONICS.An Introduction To Indoor Plant Grow Lights.There are basically three types of grow lights used in horticulture. These are:High Intensity Discharge Lights. (HID) These... Read More

Teak Adirondack Chairs

Outdoor furniture constructed with teak wood is a favorite among consumers due to the beauty and durability of the individual pieces. For this reason, a wide variety... Read More

How to Grow a Pineapple

The first thing you need to grow a pineapple is a pineapple. The pineapple (ananas comosus) is a bromeliad; in fact, one of the few in its... Read More

Grow Organic Vegetables

There are more reasons than ever why anybody with access to a few square feet of the outdoors should grow their own organic vegetables.You may be shocked... Read More

Sculpture Can Bring Life to Your Garden

I should know: I've been a sculptor most of my life, and I have plenty of years behind me of experience. Most of my sculptures reside in... Read More

Park Benches - Making the Right Choice

When most people hear the words, "park bench", they envision one of two things - someone sitting at the local park feeding the pigeons or Forest Gump.... Read More

Italian Vegetable Seeds

Some might ask, "Why grow Italian vegetable seeds?" Why bother with going international when there are already plenty of seed companies in the U.S.?One reason is that... Read More

Plan Before Buying Rose Bushes

So, you have decided to plant rose bushes in your yard or on your patio, porch or balcony. Now all you have to do is go out... Read More

Tips for Backyard Fish Ponds Care

Installing a backyard fish pond is an aesthetic addition to your landscaping and offers a bit of tranquility as well. However, taking care of backyard fish ponds... Read More

Fish Health in Hot Summer Heat

Summer is over, but for many of us - the heat remains. Here a couple of things to do to keep your fish healthy and your pond... Read More

Fuchsia procumbens

Fuchsia (named after Leonhard Fuchs, a 16th century German botanist) is a genus of over 100 species of shrubs and small trees. Although there are four New... Read More

Vegetable Growing for Beginners

If you have never grown vegetables before the first thing that you need to decide is where to plant them in your garden. Most vegetables need 6-8... Read More

About Window Ledge Gardening

The growing of flowering or foliage plants on window ledges is a form of gardening in which most people can indulge. Those who live in flats, and... Read More

Set Out a Feast for Your Feathered Friends

February is "Feed the Birds" month in much of North America. And what great timing! If you're going through a cold winter, you can help the wintering... Read More

Orchid Care - What The Root Tells Us

Orchid Care Part 4 Diseases of the RootsOur final part in orchid care part 4 is about the roots of the plant. This is the heart and... Read More

Making Memories with Flower Gardening

Flower gardening is not only about the present, but can be about the past as well. Although this article is ostensibly about flower gardens, it is really... Read More

Budget For Your Garden

Have you ever thought about how much it costs to maintain your garden? Most people never give it much thought - spending the odd day in the... Read More

Growing Your Own Herbs for Tea

If you love herbal teas, as I do, you know they are just a little bit pricey. However, growing your own herbs is easy and so much... Read More

Homemade Hydroponics System Plan

Building your own water works system is quite simple and can be fun, if you know how to follow instructions. This particular type of system is best... Read More

Theme Gardens

Flower gardens are for enjoyment. They provide you with visual beauty, the joy of working with soil and plants, and the pride of showing others what you... Read More

Simple Lawnmower Maintenance

Do you have trouble starting your lawnmower up in the spring? Before deciding to take your lawnmower in for repair, try these few simple suggestions. After completing... Read More

10 Tips for Successful Rose Planting

Planting roses isn't actually complicated, as long as you have some good advice and tips to start with...1. Check with your local gardening center or florist for... Read More