Simple Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value

When figuring out how to increase your home value, some things, like your neighborhood or market trends, are simply beyond your control. But you still have plenty of influence over how comfortable and functional your home can be. Small upgrades can go a long way in freshening up your house, such as new hardware on cabinets, a fresh coat of paint, or updated lighting can make a space feel more modern.

But some things go beyond a quick fix. An aging heating system that struggles through the seasons, a roof that’s starting to show its age, or utility bills that seem to creep higher each month may signal that your home might be ready for something more significant. Projects like installing solar panels, upgrading your HVAC system, or replacing an aging roof offer far greater returns. If you’re wondering how to increase home value by $50,000, these are the kinds of renovations that can get you closer to that goal. By carefully selecting renovations with strong ROI potential, you’ll be sure that every dollar spent contributes positively to your home’s future market value.

Solar Panels: Energy Savings Today

Installing solar panels is one of the best upgrades if you’re looking for ways how to increase home value while also cutting down on energy costs. Do solar panels increase home value? Yes — and in more ways than one. A study found that homes with solar panels sold for about 4% more than comparable homes without them. Buyers love the idea of saving on electricity and living more sustainably, which makes solar a strong selling point. Plus, today’s sleek black panels blend right into rooftops, giving your home a clean, modern look.

For homeowners asking how to increase home value by $50,000, going solar is your best bet. While not every solar installation will reach that level, research from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that buyers were willing to pay around $6,000 more for every kilowatt of solar power installed — which can add up quickly with larger systems.

Beyond resale value, solar panels help cut monthly utility bills and improve your home’s energy efficiency rating. Some areas also offer tax exemptions for solar upgrades, which means you can gain value without increasing your property taxes. So, do solar panels increase home value? Absolutely. It’s a smart, future-focused upgrade that pays off in more ways than one.

Landscaping: First Impressions That Pay Off

Does landscaping increase home value? Landscaping upgrades do more than just make your yard look pretty; they deliver real financial returns. Outdoor kitchens, patios, well-maintained lawns, and thoughtfully planted trees can boost your home’s value and appeal. For example, an outdoor kitchen or a bluestone patio could increase your home’s value by up to 2.2%, while mature trees not only enhance curb appeal but can reduce cooling costs by up to 35%, making your property even more attractive to eco-minded buyers.

Low-maintenance landscaping, native plants, and even simple touches like mulch or outdoor lighting can make a noticeable difference. Projects such as lawn care, which offer a potential 100%+ ROI, or a fire pit that helps homes sell faster and for more, are budget-friendly ways to maximize value. If you’re asking does landscaping increase home value, the evidence points strongly in favor of this often-overlooked upgrade.

Roofing: Protection and Curb Appeal

Does a new roof increase home value? Yes, a new roof offers both immediate and long-term benefits, with a 60%–68% return on investment on average. Beyond just adding monetary value (typically $12,000–$13,600, depending on roof type), a new roof helps reassure buyers that they won’t face expensive repairs anytime soon. Roofing upgrades also improve a home’s energy efficiency and appearance, which can make a big difference in competitive markets.

The ROI of a roof replacement is even more noticeable if the current roof is old, damaged, or nearing the end of its lifespan. Materials like asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or slate offer varying levels of durability and style, but all contribute to higher perceived value. If you’re asking yourself, does a new roof increase home value, the answer is clear — especially when it helps close a sale faster and at a better price.

HVAC Upgrades: Comfort Sells

A modern Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system can increase your home’s value by 5%–7%, making it a smart upgrade if your current system is aging or inefficient. Buyers are increasingly focused on energy efficiency and lower utility costs, and a new HVAC system delivers both. New systems with higher SEER ratings, paired with smart thermostats, provide improved comfort, reduce energy consumption, and lower monthly bills — all strong selling points. This is another important factor when exploring how to increase home value by $50,000.

Whether you upgrade to a high-efficiency furnace, heat pump, or central air conditioning system, a well-installed HVAC system has the power to influence both home appraisals and buyer interest. And depending on your region, you may even benefit from tax credits or rebates. Just make sure a licensed professional does the installation. Poorly installed HVAC systems can undermine the investment and even reduce your home’s value.

Ready to sell your home? At REMAX, experienced agents know exactly how to increase home value and attract the right buyers. Let REMAX real estate agents guide you through every step with expert advice, proven strategies, and the power of one of the most trusted names in real estate.