February 14, 2008

The real estate market in the U.S. made a decent run over the last 10 years. Many markets saw prices double in less than 5 years and buyers were lining up at the curb to buy homes the first day they were listed. Unfortunately, those days seem to have come to an end. In many markets homes are sitting on the market for months with no interested buyers. Depending on the market you live in it may be a good time to just settle in for a while rather than considering a sale of your home. After evaluating the real estate marketing in your area and your individual situation, it may make sense to improve your current residence during this market correction.

One way to add substantial value to your home is by installing some energy-efficient landscape lighting. A well-designed outdoor lighting system can greatly increase the curb appeal of your home and improve your property value. In fact, some experts estimate that a professional landscape installation can yield a 100% return on your investment in a short period of time.

Landscape lighting also improves the safety of your home and helps reduce the chances of vandalism or burglary. A well light area around your driveway, walkway, deck, porch or patio can also greatly reduce the risk of trip and fall accidents.

Perhaps more importantly, if you were hoping to sell your home but are unable to because of the lagging real estate market installing a well-designed landscape lighting system can help create a whole new living space for you and your family. Outdoor lighting can turn a deck, porch, or backyard area that is only used during daylight hours into a 24 hour extension of your living space. Especially in warmer climates this allows home owners to effectively increase the square footage of the livable space provided by their home.

Because LED landscape lights are so energy-efficient and long lasting, it is not cost prohibitive to regularly utilize an outdoor lighting system for general all day illumination, area lighting, spot lighting, path lighting or other applications.