FrontDoor.com

Photo courtesy CertainTeed Corporation

1. Show Your Good Side

If the exterior of your home is dated, start your remodeling there. Fortunately, siding, paint and other exterior fixes typically bring high rates of return, according to the CVR. "New siding and windows are among the least-costly upgrades a homeowner can make, yet they can have some of the highest returns," Huerta says.

Nationally, you'll get the highest return on fiber-cement siding, which looks like wood, but resists termites and fire. Spend $13,000 to replace 1,250 square feet of siding and you'll see an $11,000 return, or 87 percent of your money back, at resale. Other options include vinyl and wood siding. Siding preference is highly regional, so go with what's most popular in your area.

Have wood siding? A few gallons of fresh paint can really change your home's appearance. Get paint color cards to take the guesswork out of choosing a color. Head to a new-home community to see what the universally appealing shades are in your area. If you think your home was painted before 1978, test for lead before sanding or scraping.

Remove old awnings on the porch and windows to spruce up your home with minimal cost and effort. Swap damaged wrought-iron railings for real wood supports for a more inviting entry.

More Smart Home Updates:

1. Spruce up or replace your siding.
2. Add a deck.
3. Tweak your kitchen.
4. Repair or replace windows.
5. Overhaul your kitchen.
6. Strip the bathroom.
7. Find cash in the attic.
8. Earn bucks from the basement.
9. Add space to add value.
10. Add low-cost landscaping.