Want to list your home? Read this first! Top 6 renos with the biggest ROI!

1. Update bathrooms
Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses, so it pays to make sure your bathroom is tastefully designed and fully up to date before putting your home up for sale. If you’re renovating on a budget, focus on making small changes like repainting the walls, retiling the tub or shower and installing new plumbing and lighting fixtures, especially if the existing ones are dated and inefficient. If you have more time and resources, consider adding an extra bathroom. Homebuyers are increasingly looking for homes that have master, full and half baths. Investing in another bathroom before you sell will increase your home’s market value.

2. Upgrade for energy efficiency
Improving the energy efficiency of your house is likely to pay off when you sell it. Studies show that contemporary homebuyers prefer energy-efficient homes due to their environmental concerns as well as the possibility of gaining long-term savings. Think about tackling tasks like amplifying or reinstalling the attic and basement insulation, upgrading the HVAC system, replacing the water heaters and installing new windows to lower the costs of heating and cooling your home. Adding solar panels can also add substantial value. Although they’re quite costly to install, more and more buyers are willing to pay more for “green” homes with solar energy systems.

3. Enhance curb appeal
When thinking about what renovations will pay off when you sell, don’t underestimate the power of the first impression: your home’s curb appeal plays a key role in determining its perceived value on the housing market. Consider updating the siding, repainting the exterior and improving the landscaping on your front lawn. Even small things like repainting the front door and adding new shrubs and potted plants can go a long way toward enhancing your home’s look and enticing potential buyers. And don’t forget about the garage — recent reports show that replacing your garage door is one of the most cost-effective home improvement projects.

4. Install hardwood floors
Real estate agents report that homes with hardwood floors tend to sell faster and for more money. Hardwood floors add timeless charm to any home and consistently show up on the wish lists of potential buyers. While they may cost more than carpet or laminate flooring, they last longer and are more likely to pay off in the long run. If your home has wall-to-wall carpeting, consider having the carpets taken out and the original hardwood floors restored before putting your home on the market. Keep in mind that engineered wood flooring can be a good alternative if you’re renovating on a budget.

5. Renovate the kitchen
According to many real estate experts, the kitchen is the room that matters the most when selling your home. When it comes to redesigning your kitchen, however, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a great return on your investment. Even minor upgrades can increase your home’s overall value and improve the look and feel of your kitchen. Repainting walls, refurbishing cabinets, updating hardware, installing modern appliances and replacing countertops are all cost-effective changes you can make that will likely lure in potential buyers and pay off big during the sale of your house.

6. Paint the walls
Repainting the interior is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to transform your home, and it works wonders when it’s time to sell. The right shade of paint can bring together any room and make it appear brighter and more spacious. Real estate agents recommend sticking to light and neutral hues such as tan, beige and white. These shades can make spaces feel more open and aren’t likely to clash with buyers’ furniture and accessories. Save bolder tints to use as accents when painting fixtures like kitchen cabinets or to emphasize unique design features like a breakfast nook or built-in shelves.