Tips to Improve a Home's Value

Quick Fixes Before Selling

• When you are planning to put your home on the market soon, you can do a couple of things to increase the value of the house right away. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a house, internally and externally. Use neutral colors so you don't alienate any potential buyers. Replace old appliances with newer, energy efficient ones. Replace old carpeting with either new carpeting, or even better, hardwood floors.

The Best Rooms to Improve

• Improve the kitchen if you want the value of your home to go up in a big way. Potential buyers value the kitchen space, so appliances, counter upgrades, tiled floors, custom tiled back splashes and lots of cabinet space make a huge difference. If you have room for an island but don't have one, add it. Improve the master bathroom with a whirlpool tub and modern vanities. Crown molding and wainscoting can make a difference in a formal living or dining room. Increase storage throughout the home, especially bedroom closet space. Finish any basement or attic to make them usable square feet.

Outdoor Improvements

• A pool can really improve the value of a home, especially in regions where warm weather is the standard during a large portion of the year. Decks and patios are important to have, and a well cared-for deck or patio will increase the value of the home. A covering is a great idea for either, as it makes the outdoor space usable on very hot days, due to the shade, and on rainy days. Outdoor fireplaces are a great upgrade, too, for increasing the value of a home.