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10 Ways to Increase Your Home's Value

By FrontDoor.com | Published: 3/04/2008

Custom landscaping, like mature trees and ponds, can raise your home's value to the next level.

Custom landscaping, like mature trees and ponds, can raise your home's value to the next level.

Home Improvements for $1,500 to $2,000

Tip 1: Save on air conditioning costs.

Tired of expensive energy bills? A whole house fan is a great alternative to air conditioning and uses one-tenth the electricity of AC. "Green" home improvements like the energy-saving fan are popular with today's home buyers. As the cost of electricity continues to rise, green energy alternatives will only gain popularity.

Tip 2: Brighten up.

A bright way to increase the value of your home is to add lighting. A well-lit room feels more cheerful, and makes spaces feel larger and cleaner. Bright rooms also show you have nothing to hide, so prospective buyers will feel at ease when touring your home.

Hire an electrician to add recessed lights to a dim kitchen or family room or elegant sconces to a formal dining or living room. You'll enjoy the lighting now, and your home will feel more welcoming to home buyers later.

Tip 3: Add the right landscaping and watch your home's value grow.

Landscaping makes a huge difference in the curb appeal of your home. For less than $2,000, hire a landscape designer to create a plan that will make your home's exterior really shine. For maximum impact, plant mature trees or fast growing varieties. Though these can be pricy, they will instantly make your home feel more established.

Watch this video for tips on increasing your home's value for $1500-$2000.

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