There is nothing like buying your first home. You’re so excited to start your next chapter and your brain is full of ideas about decorating, stuff you want to buy, and all the maintenance and cleaning you’ll be doing — it’s not all fun, after all. There comes a time, however, when it’s time to upgrade your living situation.

Careers change, families are built, and situations are altered. And that’s okay. It’s all part of life. But you shouldn’t just hold on to your first home because of all the memories. Cherish them forever, sure, but you’ll certainly create many more memories inside your new home.

According to the National Association of Realtors, the average home sold by a real estate agent in 2017 went for approximately $249,000. No matter where you’re home is located, how much you originally paid for it, or its dimensions, you can always do more

Here are some excellent tips to make sure that you’re getting enough for your home — and then some — once you decide to sell:

  • Upgrade your bathroom — Nearly half (48%) of homeowners planned to redecorate their homes in 2018, and many were focused on the bathroom. Simply installing a shower with body sprays and some surrounding stone tile can offer an 85% return on your investment. Prospective homeowners will love the idea of having a bathroom as nice and relaxing as this. Plus, unless you’re planning on selling immediately afterwards, you’ll be able to enjoy your nice, new bathroom, as well.
  • Install a residential fence — Fences can not only offer privacy benefits, but they can keep intruders off your property and even improve the visual appearance of your landscape. The U.S. fencing market is projected to reach $11.5 billion by 2024. Prior to listing your home, consider improving its look with a nice wooden fence.
  • Revamp your kitchen — The kitchen is often the most important item prospective buyers look at during open houses. Make sure your kitchen is as clean as possible before it hits the market, but don’t just leave it as-is.
    “For example, if you just bought a home with standard cabinets and Formica countertops in the kitchen, then a simple swap out for quartz or granite will benefit you in your efforts to realize a return on your investment,” said Leneiva Head, a real estate broker and founder of Welcome Home Realty. “Add gourmet-style cabinets and swap out the fluorescent overhead light for monorail lighting and you’ve got a winner.”
    A new coat of paint can make all the difference in a kitchen, as well. According to a 2017 interior design trends survey, more than one-third of respondents said they would choose a neutral color palette.

Buying a home is exciting, but selling one can be even better. It means you’re moving on and advancing for the better. Make sure you’re doing everything you can to increase your home’s value before it hits the market.