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3. Tweak Your Kitchen

Got an older kitchen with a great layout? Update by refacing cabinets and replacing appliances. Top off your remodeling with laminate countertops and resilient flooring for a total average national cost of $22,000. Your newly refurbished kitchen will bring in around $17,000 at resale, a recoup rate of 80 percent, the CVR says.

"It's also possible to make appealing, neutral kitchen or bath upgrades without spending a lot of money ... if you choose your projects carefully or you can do professional-quality work yourself," says Huerta.

If your home is worth more than $500,000, go with stone or eco-friendly concrete countertops.

To go green when you update, choose energy efficient appliances and countertops made from recycled materials.

If even a minor kitchen upgrade isn't in the budget, brighten up your kitchen by giving your old wood cabinets new character. Just sand, paint and add new pulls -- it's a whole lot less expensive than buying new or re-facing cabinets.

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.