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Exterior Facelifts
Type of Improvement: Reroofing
If your roof shows signs of wear, new shingles can improve your home’s first impression on buyers. Composition shingles can be installed over a single layer of shingles. If the roof is in good shape, no repairs may be required before adding a second layer of shingles.
  • Recovery can reach 30 percent. A new layer of shingles on a sound roof doesn’t raise the value of your home much, but it could help attract a buyer more quickly.

Type of Improvement: Exterior Painting
Though it should be part of routine upkeep, exterior painting greatly increases the look of your home. Some scraping and priming of the wood siding may be needed to prepare the surface before painting. If the siding is in good shape, no recaulking or replacement of damaged siding should be necessary.

  • Recovery can reach 50 percent -- or significantly higher if you do the job yourself. A fresh coat of paint peps up the exterior and makes it more attractive to buyers. Choose a neutral shade to broaden your home’s appeal. Preparation before painting (scraping, filling holes, caulking) is the key to a project that increases your home’s value.

Type of Improvement: Siding
If the exterior of your home is in poor condition, it may have to be resurfaced with lap siding, a substantial investment.

  • Recovery can reach 35 percent. Although new siding costs more than painting, it may be your only option if the siding is badly deteriorated. If you have to re-side, consider newer products that bring your house up-to-date.

Type of Improvement: Landscaping
As with other remodeling projects, the degree of landscaping buyers expect varies greatly according to region. Options might include a new concrete walk with a brick edge, sodding the yard, planting new trees and shrubs, ground cover for flower beds and window boxes. The extent of work involved in such a project depends upon what you choose to put into it; unlike many other projects, landscaping can be undertaken by most homeowners.

  • Recovery can reach 60 percent. A planting project that perks up your home is a good choice if you plan on selling soon. Don’t overplant; some buyers think extensive plantings are more work than they can handle. Scraggly plants and bare patches of grass detract from your house no matter how well kept it is inside.

Video on Organic Lawn Care Tips
How to grow a green lawn organically You don't have to use chemicals to get a lush, green lawn. Scott Meyer, editor of Organic Gardening shows how to green your lawn using organic material. Presented by Real Living; video.realliving.com