Your Home

Renovations. For most homeowners the word conjures up pictures of granite kitchen countertops, spa-style shower systems and having to camp out at the in-laws' while the work is done. But there are plenty of fixes that can make a big difference to your property value without taking a big chunk out of your savings and your quality of life. With homes, as with people, it's hard to shake that first impression. Your front yard is your home's first introduction to potential buyers and it can colour the rest of the experience.

"Nicely-landscaped gardens convey a message that the owners care well for the house," said Toronto-based real estate agent Marisha Robinsky. "Many homeowners don't realize how big a difference it makes in how the house quality is perceived." The key is to avoid going overboard. Landscaping costs can easily stretch into five-digit figures depending on design, the choice of plants and paving stones, and the size of the property.

While it's definitely worth it to repair the cracks and pull the weeds growing in your interlocking brick walkway, installing a brand new path could easily break your budget without adding significant value.