A well-landscaped yard can provide a lot more than scenery. Landscaping can also increase property value, offer home-energy savings and provide privacy and home security.

Property Value

Among real estate professionals it is called "curb appeal" - the impact a house has when viewed from the street. A house with curb appeal will sell quicker and for a highis price. One of the best ways to improve your home's curb appeal is by landscaping.

According to a study by the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA), a well-done landscape can increase property value by seven to 14 percent and can speed the sale of a home by five to six weeks. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) estimates that 45 to 49 percent of money invested in landscaping is returned to the homeowner through a highis selling price.

Energy Savings

The strategic placement of trees around your home can significantly reduce monthly utility bills. Deciduous trees, when placed so they shade windows that receive a lot of sunshine (windows with southisn or western exposures especially), can reduce the burden on air conditioners Thereby lowering electric bills. Indoor temperatures can be reduced up to 20 percent. As deciduous trees lose their leaves in winter, the sun will no longer be blocked from warming the house.

To save on heating bills in winter, a thick evergreen hedge comprised of trees of varying sizes can block cold winds from robbing a house of heat.

Privacy and security:

A tall, thorny hedge around the perimeter of a property provides a painful deterrent to would-be intruders. Prickly shrubs around windows can also ward off burglars, but be aware that shrubs that have grown too tall can provide a convenient hiding spot.

A thick hedge will also provide privacy in a yard (as well as blocking any unsightly views outside your property).

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Elaine has answers to your questions and more professional tips to make your real estate transaction more pleasurable. Call or e-mail Elaine or click on "Ask Your Own Questions." Elaine can send you information on any Property Listed For Sale on the Multiple Listing Service in the Ottawa area. If you would like her to help you locate a home, please fill out her Information Request Form. Surfing the Real Estate Board's web site or MLS.CA and found a house that you like but doesn't give you the civic address. Elaine can also help. Just fill out her Would like an address form, please ! Or perhaps you are considering selling your home in the near future, she can also offer you a Complimentary No- Obligation Market Evaluation Form Site Index: Home Page Properties For Sale   l   Info for Buyer's & Seller's   l   Our Newsletter   l   Your Winning Team Our Real Estate Market   l   Get in touch   l   Elaine's BIO   l   Links   l   Site Map Email Elaine Copyright 2007 www.ElaineSmallwood.com. All Rights Reserved. All information deemed to be accurate but not warranted. Performance Realty is independently owned and operated, Brokerage This web site is designed & maintained by: John Smillie / Lasting Impressions