| Can home improvements really increase the value of | | | | percent. Repainting the exterior of your home is very |
| your home? Of course they can. The trick is in | | | | important as well, as this will give potential buyers a |
| knowing how much to invest, and which areas of the | | | | great impression before they even enter the front |
| home to improve to realize the greatest return. | | | | door. Interior painting and decorating should not be |
| When preparing to sell your home, your first step | | | | overlooked, as these can be very inexpensive ways |
| should be to appraise your home honestly. Determine | | | | of increasing the value of your home. These |
| where your home could use some improvements, and | | | | remodeling projects may be minor or extensive, but will |
| then decide whether the added expense and time will | | | | in some way contribute to an increase in your home's |
| net an increase value. Chances are, the time and | | | | value. |
| money will pay off with a faster closing and a higher | | | | The original design of your home is a very important |
| selling price. | | | | consideration when planning improvements to increase |
| Home improvements are the smartest ways to | | | | the value of your home. Buyers love the ambience |
| increase your home's value. First impressions really do | | | | and nostalgia of older homes, so it is important to |
| last, and potential buyers will not overlook the time and | | | | preserve unique details such as woodwork, hardware, |
| money spent. But exactly how much can you expect | | | | fixtures and glass or French doors. Choose similar |
| your home's value to increase? Here are a few | | | | materials or find complimentary ones if a complete |
| general rates of return on popular home improvement | | | | renovation is required. Buyers who see your period |
| projects: | | | | home from the street will likely be disappointed to find |
| * Minor kitchen remodeling (Connecticut)--125% | | | | a full modern interior renovation. Know how to make |
| * Major kitchen remodeling (Kentucky)--92% | | | | your home attractive and inviting for the buyer. Grab |
| * Basement renovation (California)--98% | | | | the buyer's attention and interest and give them a |
| * Bathroom remodel (Oregon)--90% | | | | reason to want to inspect your home further. |
| * Exterior paint (Pennsylvania)--90% | | | | To further support the claim that home improvements |
| * Master bedroom (Florida)--86% | | | | increase value, research suggests that you make the |
| The above statistics were compiled from various | | | | best practical use of the space you have available. |
| published surveys, mainly based in major US cities. | | | | Build a deck or patio to create a warm, inviting space |
| Though results may vary due to factors like | | | | for entertaining. Turn a corner of the basement into a |
| geographical location and market trends, these | | | | bright and busy playroom for the kids. These are |
| statistics generally support the claim that home | | | | relatively easy projects that will make your home |
| improvements will increase the home value. | | | | more inviting, and can bring a healthy increase to your |
| Taking the above examples into account, one can | | | | home's value. |
| generalize that kitchen and bathroom renovations will | | | | If you're wondering if your home improvement efforts |
| offer the greatest return on expenses. If your | | | | will pay off with an increased home value, the answer |
| basement or master bedroom can use attention, these | | | | is "yes". Your home will sell faster and you will realize a |
| areas will also pay off with a return of about 90 | | | | greater profit, so go ahead and get started. |