Not all home improvements are created equal. Whether you have a need to sell your home now or are looking to make changes for a future sale, it’s important to know what home improvements will give you the best return on your investment.

Making a good first impression is a must.

Outdoor improvements, such as do-it-yourself landscaping and new siding, can give your home great curb appeal.

Two rooms in the home that tend to add value when upgraded or remodeled are kitchens and bathrooms. Modern conveniences and styles in kitchens are a great draw for buyers. Bathrooms with modern fixtures pay off.

Saving money is on everyone’s mind. Energy-efficient heating and cooling units, doors, windows, insulation and new roofing are investments that will give back in more ways than one. You can expect savings on your energy bills and added value to your home.

For a smaller investment that produces added value, you can turn to paint, wallpaper and hardwood floor refinishing. Included in that could be new window treatments, area rugs, and lighting.

In general it is wise to keep up with repairs, both indoors and out. Taking care of repairs at their onset can help avoid larger repair bills down the road. Caring for your property, whether you’re staying or selling, will give strong testimony to the condition of your home now and at the time of sale.

TALK BACK: What home improvements have you made to add value to your home? What have you found to be most worthwhile? Post your comments below.

Posted by Sharon Walker

Tags: home improvements to add value, increase home value

This entry was posted on Friday, October 16th, 2009 at 6:00 am and is filed under Home Improvement, Seller Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.