Reinvest smart
Backyard upgrades, funded by cost seg
The cheapest square footage to make memorable.
Bola Akinsanya · Founder, Unlevered · September 18, 2026
The backyard photographs better than almost anything indoors, and it costs less to change. When a study frees up cash, it is a natural place to put it.
- 1
A fire pit
The cheapest upgrade that shows up in every five-star review.
- 2
An outdoor kitchen
Turns a patio into the reason people pick your listing.
- 3
A pergola
Shade, structure, and photos that pop.
- 4
A putting green
Low upkeep, and it earns its space in the listing gallery.
- 5
A sprinkler system
A green lawn with zero guest effort.
A note on the tax
Most permanent outdoor work is a land improvement: new basis you can depreciate again, and often a candidate for bonus in year one. Smaller add-ons you can usually expense.
Reinvestment ideas, not tax advice. Loop in your CPA.
The first-year cash comes from the study. If you have not run one yet, that is where this starts: estimate your deductions.