There’s usually a long checklist of items to go through before selling a house. After all, you want to maximize your profit and make sure your home is attractive to buyers. That’s why, in addition to cleaning up clutter, planting some flowers, and touching up chipped paint, you may be considering a renovation project. But not all renovations have the same return on investment. That’s why the Appraisal Institute suggests hiring an appraiser to estimate your property’s value before and after a potential upgrade. “Real estate appraisers have the local market knowledge required to gauge how an improvement may affect a home’s value,” Jefferson L. Sherman, president of the Appraisal Institute, says. “While they can’t make guarantees, appraisers can use their expertise and experience to help homeowners make wise decisions about which improvement projects to take on.” For example, projects like a garage door replacement, a minor kitchen remodel, or replacing old windows and siding provide a bigger return on investment than some other projects. Getting a professional opinion before doing any work can help give you confidence that you’re making the smartest choice for your home and finances. (source)