When we talk about adding value, that doesn’t necessarily mean a dollar for dollar return on investment. Meaning if you spent $5,000 on your house that you’ll get an additional $5,000 when you sell it. Most of the time when you do something to increase the value of your house, you can expect that you won’t get a dollar for dollar return. Sometimes it is, sometimes it’s more, but most of the time it's around 80% or lower.  So do these things if you think it will make living in the house more comfortable and more pleasing for you, and not in a plan to increase the value by a crazy amount. Most of the time, what that does is you end up over improving on your house, because again, in the end you most likely won’t get that exact dollar for dollar exchange. 

#6 - Built In Bookcases | Does this add a lot of value to your house? No, not really…however, if you have a big empty nook on either side of a fireplace (for example) you could put in some storage, put in some wooden shelves, put in a countertop with a cabinet below - it makes it very practical. Not only do you have a place to put all your home decor or trinkets etc., but you can also store things out of the way in the cabinet below, such as photo albums etc.

#5 - Closet Organizers | Yes, these are great things to add! When you plan to sell in the future, when buyers see this beautifully organized closet with sturdy shelving, they’re going to prefer that over a disorganized one with cheap wire shelving.

#4 - Have a “Drop Zone” | Hooks on the wall where people can hang their coats, put their keys, put the mail, a certain area that's not cluttering up your kitchen or living room area. Let’s face it, we walk in the door and we’re going to put this stuff somewhere. If you have a place that can help keep things more organized and less cluttered, buyers will appreciate that.

#3 - Fence | Some people may not think this will add much value to your home, but it is something buyers look for! It might cost you a minimum of 6 or 7 thousand dollars, but no matter what, people like having a fence in their backyard. So, why wouldn’t it add value? If you want a fence while you’re living at your current home, for young kids, or a pet or for privacy - just do it! Because maybe it doesn’t add much to the price of your home, but if it comes down to a buyer picking your house over a similar one that doesn’t have a fence, yours will appear more desirable.

#2 - Upgraded Kitchen Counters | Upgrading your outdated and scratched laminate counters for new granite or quartz will never be a bad idea! 

#1 - Shed | If you have a smaller garage, there’s only so many places you can put stuff, so people love to put a shed in their backyard. Again, this is something that is not going to provide a 1-to-1 return, but if it’s a nice looking shed, people are going to appreciate a place where they can put all their lawn and seasonal things!