If you’ve been thinking about putting your home on the market, one of the first things you’ll probably want to know is “How much is my house worth?” After learning the answer, it may disappoint, but there are ways to up its value and get more money into your pocket.

Make it Smarter

These days, most potential homebuyers want a “smart” home. If you don’t have the latest technology in yours, you can make it smarter without spending a ton of money by adding things like smart door locks, a smart security system, programmable thermostats, and smart appliances. In fact, replacing outdated appliances with smart, more environmentally friendly ones can significantly add to your home’s value. According to MFE’s Concept Community Survey, these appliances command the highest return on investment with an ROI of 11 percent over standard appliances. They’re highly desirable as they’re more energy-efficient and can even provide feedback on energy use.

Polish It Up with Paint

Painting inside and out is a great way to make an older house look newer, hiding imperfections while giving it a fresh look. The key is to avoid using any color that’s too bold or unusual as an appraiser will likely decrease the value if it’s too different from other homes in the neighborhood. Go with neutrals to ensure it pleases the biggest crowds.

Replace Worn, Dated Doors

Your front door and your garage door can make or break your home’s curb appeal as they’re two of the most prominent features of the exterior. If they’re worn or outdated, it can really detract from the look of your home and might cause viewers to drive away. Replacing an old garage door brings an average ROI of more than 98 percent, while a new front door tends to get over 100 percent on average. If you can get one that’s energy-efficient, it will be even more appealing to prospective buyers.

Give Your Kitchen a Makeover

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house – in fact, buyers often note it as the key factor that made them decide to place an offer. If it’s an attractive, updated space your home’s value is likely to be higher and you’ll probably get higher offers too. While an entire remodel costs thousands of dollars, you can give it a makeover without spending a lot. As noted previously, replacing outdated appliances with smart ones is one of the best things you can do, but you can also make less expensive changes such as changing out drawer and cabinet hardware, painting cabinets to cover up scratches and nicks, and installing a stylish new faucet.

Make It Brighter

A dark home instantly detracts from the value of your home as it turns off buyers, making it seem less welcoming, while rooms appear smaller and less appealing. Updating your lighting is an inexpensive fix, such as adding a chandelier with soft, incandescent lighting to a dining room and lighting up both sides of mirrors in the bathrooms. You might add lighting under kitchen cabinets and accent lights in your family and living rooms too.

Be sure to give all your windows a thorough cleaning to maximize natural light, ensuring that as much light as possible can filter through the glass.