Return on investment - an outdoor living space.

There are a lot of homes on the market today-and a lot of them are pretty similar. Many times there are several within just one neighborhood that are on sale. So if you are a home-seller, how can you make your house stand apart from the rest? And how can you get your return on investment in the process?

Putting an addition onto the house, updating the kitchen or bathroom, and putting in new windows are all very good ways to do this, but so often, this comes with such a huge investment, that a buyer is unwilling to make these changes. However, there is something that can be done with will give your house the "wow" factor you want, and you won't have to knock down any walls to make it happen.

Yards are often overlooked and underutilized. They offer a sanctuary and give a home a personalized and unique feel. "Outdoor living" is a very popular phrase right now, and may be the answer to your curb appeal and ROI questions.

Patios can be small and intimate or elaborate and sprawling. A well conceived and built outdoor living space can in essence increase the square footage of the house and attract potential buyers.

A backyard (or side-yard, or even front-yard) living space could include a patio, grill, fireplace, knee-wall, shade umbrellas or awning, tables and or lounge chairs, a pool or hot tub, pond, or reading area. It could be square and close to the house or wind through the property with little pockets of secret spaces. It could be made up of pavers or rock, concrete or just organic materials and landscaping. Your budget and imagination are your only limitations.

The home's value will increase, the curb appeal will increase and you will without a doubt get your return on investment. Just be careful... you may like this new outdoor space so much you decide not to sell the house at all!