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Just because you don’t plan on selling your home in the next few months doesn’t mean you should stop investing in your property. Your home is most likely one of the biggest investments you have ever made, and increasing its value can have a major impact on your finances for years to come. A few small upgrades and a little bit of maintenance could potentially increase the value of your property by thousands.
Start With a Quick Inspection
Before you even consider starting any renovation projects, you should first spend some time cleaning, organizing, and inspecting your home. As you are going through your property, you should be looking for both cosmetic issues and mechanical problems that need to be taken care of. Smaller maintenance projects aren’t always as glamorous, but they must be your priority as a homeowner. During your home inspections, you need to keep a list of any issues that you will want to address at a later time.
Tackle the Major Mechanical Systems
The major systems in your home should be well-maintained and working flawlessly at all times. That includes your pipes, electrical system, air conditioner, furnace, and water heater. Not only are those systems a major investment, but they also cost quite a bit of money to run. Having contractors inspect and service them at least once or twice a year could lower your utility bills by thousands of dollars without making any other changes.
Don’t Neglect the Landscaping
Allowing your yard to fall into disrepair will cause your property value to plummet. Even if you have a beautiful home, real estate agents and buyers might assume that you are a negligent property owner. At the very least, you should keep your lawn and bushes healthy by seeding and fertilizing them a few times a year. Homeowners who are struggling with rodents and insects should also contact an organic pest control specialist to remove gophers, rats, mice, and other unwanted animals.
Add a Few Key Cosmetic Touches
Once the mechanical systems are running smoothly and your home has some curb appeal, you can then start thinking about cosmetic additions. These renovations can be anything that will make your home eye-catching or more comfortable to live in. Many families start by upgrading the kitchen with new tiles, flooring, and appliances. Another renovation project that has a great return on investment is upgrading the master bathroom with a luxurious bath or heated floors. You could also update your windows, using experts like those at Royal Exteriors LLC.
Increasing the value of your home should be done well before you consider refinancing or selling your property. These few projects will help you increase your assets and build personal wealth without changing jobs or putting more money into your investment accounts.

Author's Bio: 

Emma is a freelance writer currently living in Boston, MA. She writes most often on education and business. To see more from Emma, say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2