Your home is your most important investment. Making small improvements can equal big returns down the road, whether you are trying to sell your home tomorrow or ten years from now. Here are a few easy, cost-efficient ways to increase your home’s value and improve its marketability:

1. Think green. One great way to make your home more marketable in the long run is to invest in energy efficiency. Potential buyers will be intrigued by the prospect of low home energy bills. There are many ways to increase your home’s energy efficiency, including energy-efficient lighting, programmable thermostats and water-saving faucets and showerheads. If you will be living in your home for a few more years, consider planting a few tall trees in your yard. Shady trees can actually cut your home’s cooling costs by as much as 40% and will improve your overall curb appeal. You may have to spend a little money upfront to make green changes, but lower energy costs and increased marketability will lead to money saved in the long term.

2. Bathroom. If you are going to remodel only one room in your home, the outdated bathroom is a pretty safe choice. If you don’t have the money to completely remodel your bathroom, there are still small changes you can make on a small budget. Little changes like replacing your light fixtures, getting rid of outdated wallpaper and purchasing a new shower curtain can make a huge difference to your bathroom’s overall appeal.

3. Kitchen. The next most important room you can update is the kitchen. Kitchens can be expensive to remodel, but there are still a few inexpensive changes you can make on a small budget. For example, if your cabinets are old and have been scratched up over the years, consider putting a new coat of paint on them. It’s a quick and cost-effective way to give your entire kitchen a more polished look.

4. Do a little gardening. The appearance of your yard and garden can have a bigger impact on your home’s value than you may think. If new buyers notice that your yard is unkempt, they may assume that other aspects of your home that have been neglected as well. If you already have a garden, keep the weeds pulled and the flowers watered. If you do not want to invest in an entire garden, consider purchasing a couple of small flower pots to place on your front porch. Small details like this can make a big difference.

5. Lighten up. Good lighting in your home can make it seem more spacious. Invest in bright lights for smaller rooms in your home; it will make them appear larger. A sun tube (a hole in your ceiling that funnels in natural light) can be a good way to improve a room’s lighting without also raising your energy bill.

For more tips on how to increase your home’s value, check-out our related article: https://www.hendersonproperties.com/2011/04/5-tips-for-increasing-your-charlotte-nc-property-value/