• Add a water-filtration system. To add an inexpensive bit of luxury while saving money over time in the kitchen, install a water-filtration system. These systems purify your water and save on buying bottled water. A water filtration system is an inexpensive improvement and the type of luxury touch that attracts home buyers. • Plant a tree. Trees add curb appeal. A longer-term strategy to add value to your property if you are not soon planning to sell your house is to plant a shade tree. Mature trees make your home more desirable, while a fully grown, properly placed tree can save you as much as 40% in cooling costs. Mature landscaping is also beneficial for the environment, providing a habitat for wildlife. • Add low-maintenance landscaping. Shrubs, bushes, and colorful plants will add curb appeal to your home, so “think green.” Purchase greenery that is native to your region, or plants that can survive in drought-like conditions — which means they’ll require less water and maintenance. • Improve the air in your home. If you have older carpets in your home, they could be housing contaminants and allergens. To determine if carpeting need replacing, hire a company to test your indoor air quality. If results show that your carpets should be replaced, use environmentally friendly natural products like wood, tile, or laminate floors. Hard-surface floors are much easier to clean, don’t hold odors, instantly update your home, and, in general, are more appealing to buyers. • Remove textured or “popcorn” ceilings. Popcorn ceilings date a house as few structural elements do. Remove the
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