will update the room without hurting your budget. If there is no ventilation system in the bathroom, have a wall-fan installed. • Upgrade to energy-efficient fixtures. A ceiling fan can provide light and, in warmer months, produce a soft breeze that can reduce the need for expensive air conditioning. But an outdated, chipped, loud, or broken ceiling fan is a useless distraction. Replace old fixtures with new ones to make your home more enjoyable as a homeowner and to increase the bottom line if you decide to sell. HOME IMPROVEMENTS: $400-$750 • Update the bathroom for a big ROI. A bathroom update with a budget of $750 can return a fine ROI while attracting buyers. One cost-effective change, such as replacing an outdated vanity, older plumbing, and lighting fixtures, or installing a tile floor, will improve home value and sales potential. • A kitchen update adds value. As with bathroom upgrades, almost any kitchen update will add to your home’s value and garner the attention of buyers. Kitchens and bathrooms are key for buyers. To maximize your home’s value, start by swapping out one item— such as an old sink — for a shiny new stainless model. Even small updates will add big value to your home. • Replace worn carpets or rugs. If your carpets and area rugs are stained or worn, it is worth the investment to replace them. Buyers are turned off by the thought that they will immediately need to replace all the flooring in a home. Ideally, you want to replace them all, but if a more limited budget constrains you, start by replacing the carpet in the room that shows the most wear and tear and replace the others as finances permit. • Keep up with maintenance. Compile a list of all the little things that are broken or in need of repair in your home. Note the cracks in the walkways, the chips in the wall paint, and the outdoor faucet that doesn’t really work. Considered individually, minor repairs might not seem that important, but if every room has just one thing wrong, those small issues will add up to give the impression that your home hasn’t been taken care of. If you don’t feel comfortable
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