5 Ways to Increase a Home's Value

If you're looking to sell your home, increasing its value is probably your top priority. Even if you're not wanting to sell, increasing your home's value has tons of benefits. Whether you consider it an investment you intend to pass down to your child, or you just like to keep the equity high, should you ever have to borrow against it. Here are some sure-fire ways to increase your home's value. We have all the answers. From Landscaping to remodeling, here are some sure fire way and steps to get higher appraisals and increase the likleyhood of a home sale.

Step 1: Landscape, Landscape, Landscape - the #1 Home Seller Is a Nice Landscaping

Landscaping is a great way to add value to your home and to get people looking. John Gidding, from "Curb Appeal" and "Secret Guide to Fabulous", was quoted as saying (in regards to how much of an ROI people might expect from landscaping), "I have always heard the number 150 percent,... On a 'Curb Appeal' project, I put in $20,000 and the sellers got $200,000 more than they had paid for the house just a year prior." Co-owner of American Plant Erik Shorb, says, "In terms of dollar amount, the standard suggested is to invest 10 percent of the value of your home in landscaping... If you don't have that kind of money... at the minimum I would recommend adding color with [flowering annuals]. ...Hire a mow and blow guy for a few hundred dollars to do a full yard cleanup and plant a few flowering perennials."

Step 2: Privacy Is a Must, Wooden Fences Are Too Costly, Go Green!

Privacy Hedges. Adding value to your home using privacy hedges is a great idea. It's as permanent or temporary as you want it to be, you can choose from several great hedges from flowering trees to evergreen, they're relatively inexpensive, and they can add a whole host of unintended benefits, such as lowering the cost of heating and cooling bills, as well as keeping your lawn a little more healthy. Though exact numbers are hard to find, having a privacy hedge rather than a privacy fence tends to attract more buyers. Not only does it look lovely, it provides privacy and shade when needed, as well as fresh air and a clean, crisp look to your property. Fast growing trees also are big hits.

Step 3: A Pool Increases the Value of a Home

Adding a pool to your home to increase its value can be a little tricky. This ups insurance rates, and so adding one to your home could scare off some potential buyers. However, it does increase the value of your home anywhere from 5 to 13 percent, depending on what region you live in. Before deciding to add a pool, look into what's popular in your area. Quite a few home buyers prefer salt water pools due to the low maintenance they require. If you have the spare money to install it, pools with automatic covers are generally regarded as safer and more desirable.Top Plants To Put Around A Pool That's Not Messy Are:

Evergreen Trees

Hedges

Evergreeen Shrubs

Evergreens never shed nor loose foliage making them excellent for privacy around swimming pools.

Step 4: Remodel - Change Your Cabintery, Bath and Kitchen

Remodeling key points in your home can help to add tons of value. Refresh rooms such as your kitchen and master bedroom. Other things to consider when undergoing a remodel is if you should add anything - such as a laundry room or garage, both of which add substantial buyer value to your home. Research what kinds of remodels are suggested for the region you're selling your home in, as it does vary from state to state.

Types of Woods To Choose From That Is Perfect For Floor Colors

Oak- A golden traditional color and a neutral everyone loves

Pine- Also a neutral with more grain than oak. Much more rustic than your normal flooring.

Maple - Can be dark or medium in color. Adapts well in classic decor or traditiional.

Birch - A super light wood, blond in color. Was a hit in the 1950's.

Step 5: Clean, Organize & Trash What You've Not Used in 6 Months

Cleaning may seem simple, but hiring a cleaning service and keeping your home and lawn clean and tidy will add more value than you might think. When a potential buyer walks in and sees an orderly, lovely home, they won't worry about what might be hiding in the drywall or pipes. They'll know that you've taken care of your home and that they don't have anything to fear by bidding on your home. Clear up any brush or trees from property lines also, this enhances the likleyhood of higher appraisals and helps sell a home.