However, this opportunity is available to many homeowners. What is the best improvement that you can make to your house? The one that will provide you with the greatest return?

Now, just about everyone is going to say “kitchens and bathrooms”. But in most instances, they only return about 70 to 80 per cent of their original value. So, what kind of an investment is that?

The answer is found as close as your nearest garden centre. Trees, shrubs, perennials and grass is the answer. You can improve your property’s streetscape and curb appeal immensely by adding only a few modest improvements. A few hundred dollars invested could provide you with thousands at the time of sale, and of course, it’s all tax free. After a few years, in a good market you could easily have a 1,000 per cent return, and in a bad market, yours will be the first to sell.

Like any other investment you should take time to consider your options and invest wisely. Let’s say you wish to have a Colorado Blue Spruce on your front lawn. Fully grown it will have a 12 foot diameter. So, it must be placed at least seven feet from the property line.

Maybe you would like to have a nice Maple tree, but don’t forget about its 25 foot branch width and below the ground, the 25 foot reach of its roots. You will be responsible for any damage done by the branches and roots of your trees to neighbour’s property and to the underground utilities.

Make sure that any trees you select will grow in proper proportion to your house. And, don’t place the tree directly in front of your front door. If it obstructs the view of the front door from the street, then it will not add value. Overgrown shrubbery and trees that block the house will detract from your property. Try to place large trees around the perimeter of your property for the best increase in value.

Aside from trees, a good well cared-for front lawn is one of your best investments. This time of year is the perfect timing for over seeding and winter fertilizer.

And remember, if you are planning to put your house on the market before next May, take some digital pictures while everything is still in bloom.

• 5 Dangerous Misconceptions People Have About Money. Few subjects are as distorted by myths, half-truths and falsehoods as money. While most people know enough to get through their lives, Mark Twain described much shoddy thinking about money when he famously said: "It ain't so much what we know that gets us into trouble. It's what we know......
• The Best Types of Investment What is the best type of investment? The short answer is 'it depends'. There are a number of factors to take into consideration when investing a lump sum. What is your investment time frame? Your investment time frame ends when you need access to your investment capital rather than......
• Sarasota Homes For Sale - Housing Market "TRUTH" Is NOT In The Numbers! Sarasota homes for sale wave goodbye to taxpayers' generous $8,000 tax gift, raising concern over National Association of Realtors'  latest Pending Homes Sales Index. [/caption] Always remember, all real estate is LOCAL. PLEASE avoid concern over predictions, indexes, reports and/or comments pertaining to the US housing market. For instance, the......
• The Mortgage Crisis and Investments in Real Estate According to regional and state real estate analysts, the factors which previously fueled the housing boom of the last few years are easy to explain. The factors that fueled this boom in the real instate industry ranged significantly, including: - Interest rates that were historically low. - Flight-Risk Safety Investments......
• How to Get Out of Trouble in the Real Estate Market If you invested in the real estate market recently and are now regretting that decision, there are a few ways that you can get out of financial trouble. For awhile, the real estate market was very solid and property values were going up. Many experts advised investing heavily in real......