3. Upgrade your home’s energy systems for improved efficiency

As “being green” rises to the top of many responsible homeowners’ priority list as a way to save money and decrease their carbon footprint, smart homeowners can increase the value of their home by adding energy-efficient windows, appliances, doors, and systems. Ramsey reports that 70% of real estate agents agree that showcasing a home’s energy-efficient features makes the home more valuable.

While solar panels are especially popular choices receiving a lot of positive media coverage, replacing windows is praised for returning the best return on investment.