Maryland is one of the best places for real estate— specifically Baltimore and its metro area. So if you’re a Baltimore resident (or even if you live anywhere else in the state), you’re in luck if you’re wanting to sell your home. Still, there are things you can do to ensure that your home will sell, for a good price. Here are four ways to increase your home’s property value.

#1: Smart Home Devices and Energy Efficiency

There are many benefits to incorporating smart home technology into your home, and one benefit is that it increases your property value. Home buyers in Maryland— especially Baltimore— are looking for both the extra convenience and the extra layer of safety that is provided by these smart devices. Some of the most popular smart home devices include:

• Carbon monoxide and fire detectors
• Door cameras and locks
• Lights
• Thermostats

Smart light bulbs and smart thermostats also make a home more energy-efficient, which home buyers love because they save more money in the long run. If you’re planning to sell your home in the future, take the time to invest in more energy-saving upgrades, such as energy-efficient appliances, extra insulation in the attic, double-paned windows, and installing solar panels.

#2: Minor Renovations, Major Home Improvements

When selling your home, it’s not always necessary to do major renovations. In fact, Maryland home buyers aren’t looking for the latest trends in interior design. Instead, they’re looking for simple updates such as minor bathroom renovations, minor kitchen renovations (updated cabinetry/hardware and countertops), and updates to flooring (switching out carpet for hardwood/laminate or vinyl flooring). Even adding a fireplace can help boost property value.

On the other hand, you’ll want to put more money into major home improvement projects because Maryland home buyers don’t want to buy a home that comes with a lot of maintenance. These major home improvement projects include things like roof and siding replacements and furnace/water heater and HVAC system updates. All of these last a while when brand new, so new homeowners don’t have to worry about their repairs for a while.

#3: Extra Liveable Space

Another major home improvement that increases property value in Maryland is adding more square footage, or liveable space, to your home. If you have a basement or an attic (or both) consider finishing it into an extra room or an entire mini-living space, depending on how large these rooms are. Another way to add more liveable space to your home is by actually building onto it. The best rooms to add on would be another bathroom or a family room, especially if your home has a small living room.

Not all homes have basements or enough room around them to add on extra rooms. Fortunately, another way to “add space” to your home is to open up the floor plan. Many homes have walls between the main rooms such as the living room and kitchen, and more and more people are looking for open-concept floor plans these days. Just keep in mind that opening up a floor plan (and adding any other type of space) requires a professional contractor.

#4: Curb Appeal and Landscaping

Finally, the outside of your home is just as important as the inside when you’re trying to sell your home. Your home’s curb appeal is the first impression it gives to anyone who walks or drives up to it. Start by power washing your house— this way you’ll be able to tell if a new coat of paint is necessary. Also, consider painting or replacing your front door and/or window shutters, as well as your garage door.

Also, don’t forget about the space around your house (i.e., your lawn). Make sure that you’re practicing basic lawn care, and you can even look into landscaping services to really boost your curb appeal. Make sure that you don’t forget your backyard when improving your curb appeal because it’s just as important as the front yard. Consider creating a backyard oasis with a patio and timber frame pavilion— adding a gathering space outdoors also helps increase property value.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to wait until you sell your home to get these improvements. In fact, these are good investments for you even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon. If you decide to go ahead with these improvements, just remember to keep up with your overall home maintenance so that your home will be in good condition if you ever decide to sell your home.