There are 2 different ways to go about updating your home or keeping your home up to date and add value when selling. 1 way is more costly than the other and it really depends on your Area, type of Home ( starter home, luxury home, Condo/Townhome) In Starter Homes and Condos/Townhomes you do not want to invest too much money so that you do not get back the investment you put into the Home. A Middle to Luxury Home actually takes on the word "Project", where a the others I consoder updating. When Updating a starter home if you replace a kitchen with the Kitchen of your dreams, you are more than likely to not get back any money on your return. So let's review today inexpensive updates for starter homes & condo/townhomes. Keeping your light fixtures, hardware, faucets, and colors up to date is really the easiest. I love to watch HGTV- Design on a Dime or Design to Sell for ideas. These programs go into homes and make them maginifcient on a budget. They paint rooms fresh and light colors, change out towel bars and such. Updating a kitchen Countertop even if laminate can cost as low as $100-$250 a home. They change light fixtures, add a few new colors, and re-arrange furniture to flow with the room and it's purpose. If you take a budget of $1000 dollars a year and use that to change out a few small items a year, you should be on course unless it has been years since you have done anything. I recently saw in an add a stainless steel appliance package at Best Buy for 2500.00. That included Refrigerator, Stove, Microwave and dishwasher. In a lower end home, you should not put in top of  the line appliances unless you require them. When needing a New Washer/Dryer try Craigslist.com for someone selling their used but lightly used set. I just got my Broker a Beautifully clean and almost new Huge Capacity, and on set for 300.00. They were a deal, and all because the Wife wanted the New Front load machines. This is also a great website for finding other appliances and even cabinets. My girlfriend bought barely used cabinets on Craigslist. She didn't like the color but the style and size, plus the Cabinet Pantry were a deal. So she purchased them and painted them white. Going from small cabinets and no space to the huge ones even though she had to paint them probably increased her home value a good 7,500 when she bought them for 1,500.00. Half the fun is the art of getting the deal. If you are not handy, nor your Husband then contact one of these great Handyman places were these wonderful gentleman that are retired and really know what they are doing. I  would save up numerous tasks and then have one come over. They are so polite and can handle so many diffferent tasks. Don't be afraid to try updating or keeping your home up to date on a budget. Ask tons of questions, look at magazines for ideas, and check prices. Even the littlest change adds value and happiness. If you need a Handyman, feel free to call me at 630-674-2215-

Karen