Happy New Year! We can hardly believe we’re about to hit 2019, and are so thankful for all of you for making our 2018 great! One of the questions we were asked frequently this year was, “How can I increase my home value?” Some of you were just curious; some of you were hoping to sell or move in the future; and some of you just wanted to improve your home! We've compiled a list of 7 ways to increase your home’s value in 2019. Check it out below.

Upgrade your Kitchen

Ask any real estate expert what the No. 1 upgrade with the greatest return is, and the answer will be the kitchen.

A full kitchen remodel with new floors, cabinets and appliances is ideal, as a lot of the money you spend on this gets put right back into the value of your house. People spend a lot of time in the kitchen; it’s often referred to as the heartbeat of the house. As well as improving it for your own enjoyment, it’s nice to know you’re also adding value to your own house.

If you don’t want to do a total kitchen renovation, here are a few smaller projects you can focus on to help boost the value:

- Add new cabinets.

- Add a splash of color with a new backsplash.

- Go stainless steel.

-Make your kitchen rock with an island.

-Freshen up with some new paint.

Beautify your Bathroom

Of all the rooms in your house, the bathroom is the workhorse. There is a lot of wear and tear, so you want to keep it functioning well and make good looking upgrades along the way. This makes it more enjoyable for you and adds value to your home!

People like to feel like they’re in a spa when they enter bathrooms. Under-mount sinks are in, as well as granite or marble countertops. The good news here is that your bathroom countertop is most likely smaller than your kitchen, so it will be way more affordable to change out. Add wall-mounted lights instead of overhead for a relaxing feel. If you want to really spruce up the bathroom, consider a heated floor!

One of the best things you can change out in your bathroom is the bath area. On top of being beautiful, it has an 85% return. Install a shower with body sprays and a surround tile. You’ll feel like you're in a Zen garden every time you step into your bathroom!

Change your Color Scheme

Freshen up your paint! Most relators and experts alike would recommend repainting the inside of your house. New paint in the right shade can do wonders for your home, making it seem new and clean. Plus, if you’re planning to sell your house, it can hook prospective buyers from the second they walk in.

Save your Energy

As many as nine in 10 houses in the U.S. are under-insulated, according to the U.S. government’s Energy Star program. Chances are good that if your house was built before 1980 or your winter heating bills are higher than they should be, your house is probably under-insulated. To find out for sure, check the attic for at least 11 inches of fiberglass insulation or eight inches of cellulose insulation. If it’s dirty, that’s a good sign that it’s at the end of its service .

While shopping for insulation may not be was fun as shopping for something cosmetic, the monthly savings can be significant. You can cut your heating bill by as much as 10%!

Replace Old Windows and Doors

Replacing old windows with newer, energy-efficient ones can save you anywhere from $25 to $450 a year in heating and cooling costs, according to the government’s Energy Star program. But that’s not even the biggest reason to upgrade. New windows can do a lot to freshen your home’s appearance, while also eliminating drafts. It will beautify your house while saving you money in the long run!

Install Hardwood Floors

A lot of people shy away from installing hardwood, because they are pricier than wall-to-wall carpet. But we’re here to tell you that on top of looking more elegant, they may actually save you money in the long run, too. Carpet only lasts about 10 years if you’re lucky and don’t have any sort of disaster that destroys it. Hardwood floors typically carry a warranty for at least 25 years. So you’ll be on your third set of carpet by the time you even need to think about replacing a hardwood floor. Plus, hardwood floors are in. If you’re really looking to increase your home value and add that wow factor, a beautiful hardwood floor could be the way to go!

Add the Wow Factor to Your Home’s Exterior

Sometimes, less is more. Something that a lot of people don't think about is the humble garage door, but replacing and upgrading it can do a lot for your home! Not only will it improve insulation and lower your energy bill, but replacing the door with an upscale steel model will boost your home’s value by 98.3% percent of what it costs to install. So if you put a $3,470 door in, you will really only lose $60 because the door will add to your home value by 98.3%. It also looks great! The outside of your home is so important because it’s the first thing that people see when they pull up. Give them a great first impression!

These 7 things are some of our favorite ways to increase your home’s value, because you can also enjoy the benefits whether you plan to sell or stay! Where can you improve your home’s value this year? If you are interested in learning more about any of these, feel free to give us a call. We are more than happy to walk you through the process!