6 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home
When it comes time to sell your home, it's tempting to just put it on the market as-is. After all, why spend money updating a home you'll (hopefully) be moving out of shortly? The reason: time. An up-to-date home that has strong curb appeal will attract more potential buyers and sell more quickly than a dated house. And when it comes to selling your home, time is money — especially if a slow sale means you have to pay two mortgages, or a mortgage and rent, at the same time.
Here are some home improvements that will make your home more attractive to buyers and potentially increase the market value.
Home improvements under $1,000
- Spruce up the landscaping
A well-maintained and cheerful exterior invites people to come in, which is essential when getting your home ready to sell.
- Possible value add: up to 14 percent
- Paint interior rooms
Painting rooms in your home is one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make to add value. The average cost to hire someone to paint a 10-by-12 room ranges from $400 and up. To do this job yourself costs between $150 and $300.2 According to Home Advisor, the average cost to paint a home's interior in 2025 was between $965-$3,089.
- Possible value add: Up to 10%
Home improvements $1,000 to $5,000
- Update your entry door
Doors can become cracked, warped, or rotted from the elements. If your door is not in top condition, it detracts from the overall appeal of your home.
- Possible return on investment: 188% return on investment
- Update your garage door
Replacing the garage door is one of the home improvements that give the best return on investment. Consider replacing your garage door if it’s damaged or looks dated. Swapping out an old door costs anywhere from $750 to $5,500, depending on factors like material, size and features. While exact ROI varies, garage door replacements typically recoup 90–97% of the investment through increased resale value.
- Possible return on investment: 90-97%
Home improvements $5,000 and up
- Add a stone veneer
Stone veneer is a decorative and protective covering for a home's exterior, and it can add value to a home. It's less expensive than real stone, but it gives homes a similar look. People typically put stone veneer around the front entryway, as a wall accent, on the lower part of walls, on the chimney, in front of the garage, or to cover the entire home. It costs about $8,000 to do this project, but homeowners typically recoup almost the entire cost.
- Possible return on investment: More than 200%
- Remodel the kitchen
There's little question that renovating the kitchen adds value to a home. But home improvements on a budget typically don't include a major kitchen overhaul because of the cost. However, a minor kitchen remodel that costs around $20,000 can make a big difference.
Here are the changes that make the biggest impact for your buck: Focus on replacing cabinet fronts and hardware instead of the entire cabinet box. Replace an old refrigerator and oven with new energy-efficient appliances. Remove a laminate countertop and replace it with quartz or granite, and then put in a new sink and upgrade the backsplash.
- Possible return on investment: 36% to 113% depending on the remodeling
Talk to your financial advisor to discuss options for paying for home renovations, including using your home’s equity.
Using Home Equity for a Major Purchase Calculator
