Basic Lawn Care = Big ROI

A well-maintained lawn, trimmed trees and tidy landscaping can go a long way toward boosting your home's curb appeal. Spending time and money sprucing up the yard can yield an excellent return on investment (ROI) when it's time to sell.

Keep your lawn in prime condition by mowing regularly and fertilizing when necessary. Prune unruly trees and bushes, and revive garden beds with fresh mulch, perky annuals and native plants. Prospective buyers will appreciate it — and so will your neighbors.

Features like fire pits, outdoor kitchens and swimming pools can be attractive to some buyers, but they won't appeal to everyone. While the ROI on these upgrades may be lower, the benefit comes from enjoying them while you own your home and can entertain family and friends who also appreciate them.