When it's time to renovate or make upgrades to your home, you want a project that will increase the value of your home. It's more than just improving how your home looks. Renovations and upgrades can also improve function and security as well. Our real estate agents have a wealth of knowledge about what types of home improvement projects you can choose if you want to increase your home's resale value.

• Finish your basement – Finishing your basement will add square footage to your home. The more usable space you have, the more valuable your home will be if you ever choose to sell it.

• Add a home office or workspace – With more and more people working from home, having a designated workspace or home office is an added bonus if they are looking to purchase a new home.

• Create more open space – Open-concept homes are popular with families and people who like wide open spaces. Removing non-load-bearing walls or creating half walls will open up your home, creating the illusion of more space and fewer boundaries. It's also more visually appealing.

• Install a steel entry door – Replacing your old front door with a steel door will beautify your entryway as well as make your home more secure. Steel doors will also last for many years longer than wooden doors.

• Upgrade your garage door – Over time, your garage door can begin to show wear and tear. Replacing your old door with a new one that fits the exterior of your home will add beauty and value to your home.

• Redo your landscaping – When people look at Crookston homes for sale, they often look at the landscaping and how well-maintained the lawn is. Redo your landscaping. Replace a few of your older plants and add ambient lighting. Make sure your flower beds are free of weeds and debris.

• Refinish your patio – Patios and decks are often deal-breakers. Reseal your wood deck. Power wash your cement deck and add a flower box or two. Replace any broken pieces of wood or furniture and add a few new cushions. Add a few touches of color and texture as well.

• Upgrade your outdoor lighting – Outdoor lighting is important to your home security. Installing a smart lighting system with motion-activated sensors is an excellent deterrent that will keep burglars from targeting your home. Security lights will also lower your home insurance premiums by lowering your risk of theft.

• Install a security system – A good security system incorporating smart technology is a strong selling point for many potential home buyers. With a quality system, new home buyers can add to it if they choose. Many systems give you the option of monitoring them yourself or hiring a third-party monitoring company that will keep eyes on your home 24 hours a day.

When you are ready to sell your home, consider upgrading a few things. Spending a few dollars here and there will allow you to add bankable value to your home. Contact us today, and our agents will provide a few ideas on increasing your home's value. Choose one or more and get busy!