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Take your time in deciding what improvements you'll make.

Step 1: Plan Your Remodel

The fastest way to increase your home's value is to start making upgrades. Home improvement projects may cost only 20 to 25 cents on the dollar. The other 75 to 80 cents of that same dollar goes directly into the value of your home.

Don't just start knocking walls down -- plan your remodel. Start slowly. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

• List the things you want to change and the updates you would like to make. Don't worry about organization, just write it all down. Take a guess on how long you may want to live in the house. If you're planning on selling, talk to your real estate agent and make a selling plan.
  
  
• Categorize your list by how much it may cost, including your time and money. Be realistic! It's OK to list an outdoor pool with a waterfall, but keep your financial picture in mind.
  
  
• Look at your categorized list and prioritize what is a real "must-have" and what is more of a dream. Try to find a reasonable balance.
  
  
• Once you have a plan, do research or talk to a real estate agent to see what sort of return those improvements may bring. Some improvements will add considerably more value to your home than others.

<< Step 10: Focus on Finances I Step 2: Tackle One Room at a Time >>

GO TO: 10 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home

More on FrontDoor:

• Home Seller's Guide
• How to Sell Your Home in a Buyer's Market
• Designed to Sell Staging Guide
• Top 10 Home Updates