The housing market is constantly changing in DC, and there are many things you can do to increase the value of your home. Some are quick and easy, others a bit more extensive. Here are ten ways to boost your home’s value, from Marc Dosik of Century 21/Redwood Realty at 843 Upshur Street NW (used to be Help-U-Sell).

1. PAINT
One of the simplest and most cost-effective improvements you can make is paint. Freshly painted rooms look clean and updated — and that spells value. When selecting paint colors, keep in mind that neutrals appeal to the greatest number of potential buyers. Even Zillow recommends lighter neutral shades.

2. CURB APPEAL — Plant a tree and add low-maintenance landscaping
Plant shade trees! Not only will mature trees make a home more desirable, but a fully grown, properly placed tree can cut the home’s cooling costs significantly. Likewise, shrubs and colorful plants add curb appeal to any home. Purchase plants that are native to your region or plants that are drought-tolerant; these require less water and maintenance.

3. CARPET
Take a good look at your home’s carpet. Stained or worn carpeting turns off buyers. Hard-surface floors like tile or laminate are much easier to keep clean, don't hold allergens, give your home an updated look, and appeal to most buyers.

4. FRONT DOOR
An inexpensive way to give your front door new life is to paint it. Or, if your budget allows, replace the front door. This is one of the home improvements that gives a high return on investment when selling the home.

5. VERTICAL BLINDS AND SHUTTERS
Replace heavy draperies with vertical blinds or shutters that let in natural light, which can make a room feel more spacious. When selling, you will want to make each room in the house feel larger. A sunny room feels larger and more open.

6. KITCHEN UPDATES
Even small kitchen updates will add big value to your home. Invest in a new sink or a shiny new microwave. One way to make the cabinets look newer is to exchange the cabinet pulls / handles with new ones.

7. BATHROOM UPDATES
Updating the bathroom is always a smart move. Even if you can't afford a full remodel, small changes will bring you a great return. Consider replacing any of the following: wallpaper, lighting fixtures, vanity, or the flooring. Bathrooms should look clean and shiny.

8. CEILING FANS
They are both decorative and functional. Replace old or outdated ones now, enjoy them while you live in the home, and they will provide a nice selling feature when the home is shown to buyers.

9. DOOR KNOBS
Details matter… and one detail that often goes unnoticed is door knobs. You can add a bit of flair by replacing old door knobs around your home for ones that look updated or interesting. The best part is: a simple door knob upgrade doesn’t cost a fortune.

10. CROWN MOLDING
Adding crown molding is a quick, inexpensive way to catch a buyer’s eye. It’s a memorable detail that brings an air of luxury to just about any room. Crown molding is another one of the improvements that brings a very high return on investment when selling a home.

For more ideas, reach out to Marc Dosik from Century 21/Redwood Realty at 843 Upshur Street NW, or call 202.543.7283.