Home Improvement or Progressive Upgrades?

The mortgage crisis has made the business of making your home more attractive to buyers far more of a headache. Home prices are falling while builder's fees and construction costs are skyrocketing, which makes improvements like adding a pool, installing a new deck or even furnishing the basement to expand the rooming opportunities in the house pretty risky. This has lead to some progressive and far less costly ideas for remodeling.

Selling your home as environmentally conscious is sure to make any buyer perk up because it makes them feel good about their contribution to the environment and means that they save money on energy bills. If you plan to replace any appliances then make sure they're ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED. These products meet rigorous energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and DOE. Did you know that the insulation in most attics is sub-par? A quick upgrade will cut down on the amount of air conditioning or heating used and slash the electric bill. Out-of-control fuel and energy bills can also be diminished by installing new doors and windows which can also look nice and will make your home stand out in a crowd.

On an earthier note, think about planting a new tree or garden. Landscaping isn't nearly as expensive as adding a pool to the backyard and a professionally manicured lawn can do wonders for your home in creating a great first impression for a potential buyer.

These are just a few of the ways that a seller can make their home an attractive sale in a difficult market.