For most Calgarians, the urge to landscape pretty much freezes with the first snowfall, but the warm weather's here and the sound of lawnmowers has arrived. Just being able to see the ground again inspires us to think about the work we'd like to do in the yard. If you're selling your home, give in to your instincts and go outside to make your yard a better place right now! It's one of the most satisfying ways to increase your sale value and attract the right buyer.

A beautiful, well kept yard adds value to your home. It's such a powerful influence on price that it can even boost the value of your neighbours' properties. In fact, when you're selling, what's outside the house can be even more important than what's inside. For buyers, the yard is where first impressions are made and doing whatever it takes to boost your "Curb Appeal" can mean the difference between love at first sight and seen it before. Similarly, good design in the backyard will extend the living space in the home and naturally increase the overall value of the property. Even in our climate, it's possible to transform your yard into a playground all year round by adding elements like hot tubs, firepits or outdoor fireplaces. Some other features you may want to put on your wishlist to push your curb appeal over the top:

- plant trees
- lay down walkways
- build retaining walls
- create waterfalls and ponds
- lay down patios
- put up fencing
- build stairs
- install sprinkler systems
- install a hot tub
- create an outdoor fireplace
- build a new deck

Of course not everything you do to the exterior of your home has to be a major upgrade. Simply trimming the hedges, repairing outdoor furniture and mowing the lawn is going to cheer things up. What do you think? If you have any ideas for turning up the curb appeal this spring, please post them! I'll be working in the yard all weekend...

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If you're looking to relocate to Alberta, be sure to check out Justin Havre's Calgary Real Estate site. Visit JustinHavre.com today to search for Calgary MLS Listings.