Remodel

• Remodeling, even in small ways, has the potential to increase the value of your home. Something as simple as changing old light fixtures or faucets can update an out-of-style design. If you have the funds, adding a bathroom or remodeling the kitchen will give you a large return for the money that you spend. Making a home brighter will appeal to appraisers and buyers alike. Add skylights in strategic locations to bring in the most light to the darkest areas of your home. Hire an independent appraiser before you spend your money on improvements and ask for an opinion of the best way to increase your home value.
  
  

Flooring

• If the condition, color or material of your flooring distracts from the assets of your home, you should change it to make a more modern and neutral statement. Use natural materials, such as stone or wood. New carpet is a less expensive option and still will improve the overall look of your interior. Part of an appraiser's job is to compare your home to those of similar models in the neighborhood. If your flooring is old and unsightly, your house will be worth less than the comparables that have updated floors. If you will be listing your house soon and you are not concerned that the carpet will soil quickly, use a light shade to help brighten the home. Also, if your carpet does not need replacing, but there are strong odors from food or pets, and cleaning has not eliminated the smell, change the flooring to avoid an unpleasant result from your appraiser.
  
  

Paint

• Paint your home inside and out. Use neutral designer colors for the interior and paint the exterior to match the rest of the neighborhood. This is an inexpensive improvement that also will freshen up a musty smelling interior. If you choose to do the project yourself, be precise. Tape off windows, baseboards of a different material or color and edges where paint colors change. If you cannot complete it in a professional-looking way, then hire a company to do the work or you risk decreasing the value of your appraisal.
  
  

Curb Appeal

• Curb appeal is important in many ways. Keeping the landscaping manicured assumes that the interior will reflect the same kind of care. If you have a newer home that has no plants or ground covering yet, your appraisal value will increase if you irrigate the lot, install a few trees and place grass in the front and back yards. Adding a patio or deck, if you have the funds, will give you a high return on your investment. However, according to REALTOR Magazine's 2010-2011 Cost vs. Value report, replacing your front door will give you a whopping 102.1 percent return on the amount that you spend to improve the curb appeal of your home.