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END OF THE YEAR SMART MONEY MOVES

It’s the end of the year.

You’re already thinking ahead to the spring. You have tons of plans for home improvements.

So why bring this up now?

December is the perfect time to make some money moves to improve your bottom line and get your home ready for the New Year.

Property Taxes

Most property taxes are due by the end of January, but if you pay yours in December you can take the deduction in 2015 and perhaps have a nice little bump in your tax return. Talk to your tax accountant to see if this would work well for you.

Early Mortgage Payments

If you make a second mortgage payment in December you’ll have a little more interest to write off in 2015. Again, as with any tax strategy, check with your tax accountant to see if this is a good move for you.

Leverage Holiday Sales

Home improvement stores, appliance dealers and even carpet companies offer sales and discounts in anticipation of the holidays. If you’ve got a home improvement in mind, or are planning to work on a home project in the New Year, utilize the holiday low prices to buy your materials, appliances, fixtures or tools. You can even put tools on your Christmas list and maybe Santa will put that impact drill or reciprocating saw under the tree.

Take an Energy Check Up

Give your home an energy check up to see if your can reduce your utility bills during the high-usage winter months. Contact your local utility to see if they can give your home an energy audit. According to the Department of Energy you can save between five and thirty percent on your energy bill by making some efficiency upgrades to your home. A professional audit can tell you the best places to save the most money.

Other ideas include:

• Seal your windows
• Use a “draft dog” or other draft stopper around your threshold
• Wear layered clothing
• Change your ceiling fan to run clockwise. Typically, fans run counter-clockwise to move cool air. Reversing your fan (on low speed) helps push rising warm air back down into the room. The air near the ceiling can be as much as 10 degrees higher than the air near your feet, so moving the warm air back into the room can lower your energy needs.
• Close window coverings when it gets dark. As soon as the sun sets, close the curtains, drapes and blinds. They act as an insulation barrier to keep the cold out and the warm air in. But, when the sun it out and shining through those windows, open up the window coverings to let that radiant heat in.
• Cook in your oven. Baking or roasting your home-cooked meals gives some extra warmth to your home.
• Replace your furnace filter. Constant running clogs the filter with dust and debris. Clean or replace the filter regularly throughout the winter and you’ll have a more efficient furnace…and lower energy bills.
• Put a blanket on your water heater
• Add insulation to your attic
• Consider using energy efficient LED decorations

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WHAT DO INTEREST RATES “DO”?

Interest rates make it easier, or harder, to borrow money; they also make it easier, or harder, for lenders to make money.

There is an odd twist to the history of interest rates since the millennium.  When the Federal Reserve Bank (the “Fed”) under Alan Greenspan lowered interest rates in the early 2000’s, this led to some of the financial mayhem that ensued.  In particular, it was one of the contributors to a freewheeling increase in the price of housing, and to the ensuing crash in the housing market.  The explanation of this is straightforward:  a 1% drop in rates leads to (approximately) a 10% increase in buying power.  When rates dropped from 8% in the late 1990s to 6% in the early 2000s, buyers could purchase 20% more house with the same monthly P&I.  Theoretically, this should lead to a 20% increase in the average price of housing.  Unfortunately, it did not!  It led to a 40%-75% increase (depending on where you lived) and, eureka, everyone wanted to buy houses, flip them and get rich.

The odd part is that when the housing market “crashed” from 2006-2011, the cure espoused by Ben Bernanke’s “Fed” was to lower interest rates further – from 6% down to 4% (even dipping into the 3s for a stretch).

Lately, rates started to nudge up.

Keep in mind that the pendulum swings both ways:  just as a 1% decrease in the rate leads to a 10% increase in buying power, so, too, does a 1% increase in rates lead to a 10% decrease in buying power.

Ouch!

Depending on location, rates crept up ¼ to ½ percent in 2015 – not enough to get excited about - yet.  But, for the old-timers out there, remember rates being 9% and higher.  If rates go to 6%, buyers will lose 20% of their buying power.  If rates go to 8% (a “normal” interest rate, even a little on the low side for the old-timers), buyers will lose 40% of their buying power.

Here is the scary part:  does that mean housing prices will drop accordingly?  More (as they accelerated from 2002-2006)?  Or less (as the “Fed” hopes will happen)?

It is reasonable to assume that as rates start to creep up, more buyers will surface because they will want to buy before the going gets tough.  The interesting (pun intended!) part of the question is, when will higher rates slow down buying because rates went “normal”?

Janet Yellen wants to know the answer to that question.  And so do you.  My bet is 6 months after rates hit 4.5%, provided rates do not “dip” again.

How much will the market slow down?  How much will higher interest rates affect average prices?  Those are questions for economists and deep thinkers.  Let’s hope they are working on them.

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Market Trends in Bucks County

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WANT BEACH READY ABS THIS SUMMER?

SIT-UPS & CRUNCHES ARE ONLY PART OF THE EQUATION

Summer is on the way and everyone wants to get that sexy beach body. This includes having that great looking flat stomach. A lot of people think that to achieve a great stomach they have to do thousands upon thousands of sit ups. The truth is that is only part of the equation. Having great looking abs does take time, training hard, cardio and, of course, eating clean meals. Great abs, therefore, start in the kitchen. It is important to try and cut out fried foods, sugars, refined and processed foods, alcohol, and even dairy (dairy is high in fat). That means eating more natural foods such as, vegetables, fruits, protein (such as lean meats), lentil's, brown rice, whole grain breads, nuts and drinking lots of water. 

Another key to looking lean and showing stomach muscles is cardio, cardio, cardio! I suggest mixing up your routine and doing intervals instead of slow steady cardio. This way your body is burning more calories to the change in pace. So you can achieve more results in a shorter period of time. (LESS BORING TOO). So that means whatever type of cardio you choose pick time intervals to go hard then ease off, then hard again for at least 20-60 minutes. You will see a leaner stomach faster this way. For great abs I recommend full-body workouts that also include the following exercises to start with. They are all static and great for beginners to build up the strength in your abdominals before moving on to other exercises that require more movement.

Static Abdominal Crunch

• Opposite arm to opposite leg
• Try holding for 30 seconds and slowly increase time for each side

Static Opposite Arm/Leg Plank

• Keep belly button pulled toward spine the entire time
• Try holding for 30 seconds and slowly increase time for each side

Plank

• Make sure that your elbows and shoulders are in line as well as your neck in line with your spine and hips
• Keep belly button pulled toward spine the entire time
• Make sure not to let your hips drop
• Try holding for 30 seconds and slowly increase time

Static Crunch and Hold

This exercise is to be done in 2 segments. Keep belly button pulled toward spine the entire time.

• Crunch and hold for 30 seconds and slowly increase
• After the 30 seconds go slightly higher and hold for another 30 seconds

Static V-Sit

• Keep belly button pulled toward spine the entire time
• Create a V with your body using your arms and legs
• Try holding for 30 seconds and slowly increase

Static V-Sit on BOSU Ball

• Keep belly button pulled toward spine the entire time
• Create a V with your body using your arms and legs
• Try holding for 30 seconds and slowly increase

Static One-Legged V-Sit

• Keep belly button pulled toward spine the entire time
• Create a V with your body using your arms and legs while one leg is held 1 inch above the ground
• Try holding each leg for 30 seconds and slowly increase the time each week.

For Great Abs Use These Tips:

1. Perform cardio as often as you can, ideally 5-7 days per week.
2. Drink lots of water.
3. Take fried foods out of your diet.
4. Take sugars out of your diet.
5. Eat lots of veggies
6. Eat lots of protein
7. Full-body workouts (this includes abdominal exercises).
8. Keep a good posture

SPRING PROJECTS FOR YOUR HOME

Warmer weather and sunnier days are on their way and many homeowners are itching to begin home improvement projects. If you are one of them, consider these areas of your home when prepping for spring.

Windows and Doors
From a full window replacement to a simple coat of paint, updating your windows and doors can have a big impact on your home.

If your windows felt drafty this winter, it may be time for replacements. Replace your old single-pane windows with energy-efficient double-pane windows. Double-pane windows can help you save on heating and cooling bills. They also help keep the temperature in your home consistent year-round and help protect your furniture, carpet and window treatments from the sun's fading rays.

Need to bring some fresh color into your home but don't want to paint? Try updating your blinds or shades. From different styles to colorful fabrics, blinds and shades can add a pop of color to your room.

Your front door is a major focal point of your home, enhancing your home's curb appeal. Make a bold statement and improve your home's energy efficiency with a new ENERGY STAR-certified front door. Consider options with decorative glass accents and sidelights to add more natural light while maintaining a sense of style and privacy.

Looking for something even easier? A new coat of paint to your existing door is a quick and easy way to give your home a fresh, new look.

Gutters and Downspouts
Excess water near your foundation can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Luckily gutter cleaning and downspout repair is fairly low-cost.

Clean your gutters and remove any debris that may keep spring rains from flowing freely through your downspouts.

Along with replacing damaged gutter or downspout sections, you'll also want to make sure you have added downspout extenders to ensure water is draining far away from your home's foundation. Extenders should reach at least five feet into your yard.

Gutter covers can also be added to minimize debris from gathering in gutters throughout the year.

Air Conditioning
Spring is a great time to start getting your cooling system ready. Often you have to call in the pros for air conditioning work, but things like spraying off any overgrowth or debris, cleaning coils and changing filters are fixes you can easily do on your own. Also, trim back any shrubs that are nearby. Keeping the outdoor unit clean from debris will boost your A/C system's efficiency.

You can keep part of your indoor duct work clean by removing register covers and wiping clean any of the visible parts. You'll need to contact a professional for a full duct cleaning.

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IS REMODELING YOUR HOME WORTH THE COST?

Home remodeling projects can come up for many different reasons. Your spouse got a new job and could use a home office. Your kitchen hasn’t been updated since 1973. You’ve heard if the right homebuyer were to come along, a hot tub could equal bonus bucks in your pocket.

When considering a remodeling project, how do you decide what will make your life better while possibly adding to your home’s resale value?

Ask These Questions for Your Home Makeover

Understanding your intentions for your house can go a long way toward shaping your remodeling plans. These are some questions to consider:

• How long do you plan to live in your current home?
• Will you get to enjoy the results of your remodeling project?
• Will the remodel meet an immediate but temporary need? Or be an investment in your lifestyle?
• How old are you? What kind of income do you anticipate in the years ahead?
• If you are close to retirement, is now the time to invest in home improvements?
• How much chaos can you live with during the renovation process?
• Does your house—the floor plan, the garden, the bathrooms, everything—work for you?
• Will your home need a lot of updates? Will there be simple ways to update things like energy usage?

Remodeling and the Bottom Line

Can you get your money back when you sell?

The truth is you likely won’t get back the full amount. But there are moves you can make to ensure you invest smartly:

• Hire an appraiser to find out how much your home is currently worth.
• Research other nearby renovation projects and how those homes sold after project completion.
• Design around your home’s architecture and character. Vinyl siding on a Queen Anne Victorian house will reduce its value. A three-season porch too hot to use in a Texas summer might not help the bottom line.
• Consider your time frame. If you’re only going to stay in your home another year or two, it’s probably not worth living with months of construction headaches.

Home Improvement Projects Worth Your Money

If you want to maximize your remodel for resale,  think exterior: safer doors, better windows, or easy-care siding. Data from the latest remodeling reports shows those types of projects can recoup more than 80% of the investment. Extra bedrooms and updated master bedrooms sell well, too.

Your high-end kitchen update with custom cabinetry may not sell itself, but it will help if your current kitchen could double for your grandmother’s old set-up. An extra bathroom, especially if your house only has one, can be a solid choice over the long term—or finishing the attic. Smart homebuyers will appreciate any moves you make to reduce utility usage, such as energy-efficient window casings or new water heaters.

Some values depend on geography. A home office is not something every buyer would use, so it could recover less of the funds you invest, unless you live in an area with high real estate costs and plentiful telecommunication options. Pools are all about your pleasure, not the selling price—many buyers don’t want the headache of caring for one. But in some communities a pool may feel almost standard.

Why Remodel?

Your home is your castle. You deserve to enjoy it. If a remodel makes your home more livable and serves the changing needs of your family—more bedrooms, more bathrooms, or a more functional kitchen—it will be a big win if you can also recover at least some of the cost.

Depending on your real estate market, your finances, the schools you want for your kids, it might be smarter for your current needs to remodel rather than trying to sell and buy anew.

THE 5 MINDSETS OF A CHAMPION

You can become a champion in whatever you like whether it be washing the dishes or mastering a new skill. One of the hardest things to win over is your mind, at the end of the day achieving anything usually comes from a strong mental outlook and enthusiasm for what your doing……

1- Stay Present In What Your Doing

The Power of Now!  I am putting this at number one as to me its the most important and the hardest to master. When you are present and fully engaged in what you are doing nothing can get in your way, there is no room for fear, anxiety, or other negative emotions to stop you doing what your doing to your full potential.

You can stay present whatever your doing in life, you just need to realize and acknowledge when your thinking goes out of hand and drags you into the past or future. It can seem very hard at first but eventually it becomes easier and even second nature. 

2- No Regrets Mindset

Look at your past but DON"T STARE!

You can’t changed what’s happened and truth be told whatever you have done or made a decision about was the best you could have made at that given time. If you live with this mindset your life will become far easier and less stressful….

Too many people are tied up with regrets and have their minds stuck in the past and things they may have done wrong. These don’t have to be big things they can be as small and trivial as picking the wrong piece of fruit while grocery shopping, you would be surprised how much these things play on people’s minds.Always tell yourself that whatever you did was the right decision it will save a load of mental clutter and allow you to stay in the moment.

Get into the mindset that you can’t lose with any decision you make, regardless of the outcome!

3- Having a Beginners Mind

This one does not mean dumbing down. Many smart people maintain a beginners' mind in whatever they do. It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level, just as a beginner in that subject would.

Having a beginners mind will allow you to learn new stuff and do things without thinking too much about them, which is key not only to be the best at what you do, but to do whatever you want well!

Sometimes we just need to admit and say “I Don’t Know” this will not only crush your ego which always wants to know best but it will leave you with an open mind which is ready to learn, adapt and evolve.

Living with “I know” is a tremendous handicap that keeps us out of the present, and living in the past. It doesn’t allow us anything new, no surprises, no insights, no discoveries. It doesn’t allow us to unlock and understand any of the mysteries of the present moment, and it keeps us frozen in the judgments of the past.

4- Knowing What You Want

This can be for anything, in order to achieve something you need to know you what you want. For instance if you want to lose weight try and have a mental picture of how you will look once you have achieved your ideal weight or gain some muscle. Try and consider these 3 factors when figuring out what you want

• What do you want to achieve?
• What, When, Where, Who and How?
• What will you see, hear and feel when you’ve achieved your outcome?

If you lay out plans with a certain template like the one above it will allow you to envision exactly what you want making it far more achievable and putting things in perspective.

5- Not Being Dragged Down

People who are good at what they do or even just happy with life, don’t let the small stuff (or small people!) drag them down. If you let what others thing, say or do affect how you feel and act negatively then things have got to change. Remember we cannot change others and need to accept people as they are in order to live a constructive and purposeful life. Truth is there will always be people trying to drag you down.

The same goes for your mental outlook on life, don’t let the chatter box in your head talk you into negative thoughts as soon as you hear them coming, face them realise they are not you but your negative internal dialogue and let the slip or flow like a pebble passing a stream.

The earlier you catch a negative train of thought and reject it the easier life becomes as once they set in and feed on your negative emotions they can be hard to shake.

Don't let other people take up residence in your mind! And don't allow yourself to stay in 'park' when you are there!

Applying The Knowledge

These 5 mindsets can be set towards anything and should be veichles to carry you through all of life’s obstacles. They can also be more specific you could apply them to;

• Getting in Shape
• Suceeding in Your Career
• Starting Your Own Business or changing Careers
• Socializing
• Starting New Relationships
• And Ultimately ...... Finding Peace in Your Mind

“Whatever you hold in your mind will tend to occur in your life. If you continue to believe as you have always believed, you will continue to act as you have always acted. If you continue to act as you have always acted, you will continue to get what you have always gotten. If you want different results in your life or your work, all you have to do is change your mind.” - Anonymous

MARKET UPDATE

Thinking about making a move or just curious about the value of your property in today's market?

I would be delighted to perform a free, no obligation Market Analysis for you.

Contact me to arrange a fully confidential appointment.

jeff@JeffLavine .com or by cell at 215-280-2750

Five Steps to Prepare for the Home-Buying Process

If buying a home is on your agenda this year, plan on the process taking roughly six months in the current market, experts say.

The length of the mortgage-application process has increased since the 2008 financial crisis, and while homeowners can’t do much to speed up that process, there are steps you can take to be prepared for what is likely to be the biggest purchase in your lifetime.

From figuring out how much you can afford to which neighborhood you want to live in, here’s a look at the steps you need to take to ready yourself for the buying process.

Check Your Credit Score

Long gone are the days when you could get a mortgage without having to show proof of income and filling out reams of paper work. Lenders are much more strict with their requirements for getting a mortgage, and a high credit score is top priority.  

I recommend potential buyers obtain a copy of their credit report six months before they plan to buy to check for inaccuracies. Six months also allows for time to improve a borderline score.

Figure Out Your Real Budget

Before starting your house hunt, determine what you can afford to pay each month in mortgage payments. It’s important to keep in mind that even if you get preapproved for a mortgage of $400,000, that doesn’t mean you can afford that hefty of a payment each month.

Human instinct is to shop by price, but what you really should do is shop monthly payment. In addition to a mortgage payment, you need to calculate property taxes and homeowners insurance as well as maintenance as the total monthly home budget.

Get Preapproved for a Mortgage

Even if you think you’ll have no problem securing a mortgage, getting preapproved not only lets you know how much home you can conceivably shop for, but it will also give you more negotiating power during the buying process.

A preapproved buyer is more attractive to sellers. You want to make sure you are searching within your price range. The bank’s not going to approve your loan just because you fell in love with a house.”

Determine if Home Ownership Makes Sense

So you’ve been approved for a mortgage and have a budget, but that doesn’t mean you should definitely buy a home.

Evaluate your wants and needs from where you live and immediate future plans before becoming a homeowner.

Homeownership isn’t for everyone. You need to look at your life style and your goals. For instance, do you plan to relocate in a couple years or are you living in the town or city you plan to settle in for good? The answers to these questions will help you determine whether to buy a home. 

Figure Out Your Ideal Location

Most homebuyers have a general sense of a region or city they wish to plant their roots, but experts advise being much more specific with your search.

Location will dictate how you live, so it’s a good idea to narrow the search to certain neighborhoods. Figure out what amenities are important to you and your lifestyle, like public transportation, grocery stores or easy access to highways or airports.  

Set Realistic Expectations

Everyone wants walk-in closets, granite countertops and a two-car garage—but that doesn’t mean you should rule out a house because it doesn’t have every single of the items on  your desired list. It’s important to distinguish between your necessities and your wishes.   

Knowing what the ‘must haves’ as opposed to the things they would like will help the search process. Not knowing what you absolutely must have from a home makes it easy to get distracted buy an over-the-top kitchen and other nice amenities.

Contact me with any questions or concerns about the process. I am here to be of assistance.

Carb Cycling: A Daily Meal Plan to Get Started

You know a no-carb diet isn’t up your alley, but you don’t exactly want to fill up on a pre-race pasta feast every night either. No matter your health and fitness aspirations, carb cycling might be a good middle ground. Although its roots are in the world of bodybuilding, trainers are turning to the nutrition strategy to help clients achieve their goals — whether they’re trying to slim down or build muscle — or both.

“Eating healthy carbs on certain days keeps your metabolism revved up, and sticking to mostly protein and vegetables on days in between keeps insulin low enough that you can burn fat without losing muscle,” explains Shelby Starnes, a competitive bodybuilder and carb cycling expert. “It’s a routine that anyone can modify for their individual goals.” If you’re intrigued but don’t know how to start, read on for tips about how to put together a weekly carb cycling menu.

Find the Right Formula

The classic carb cycling schedule alternates between high- and low-carb days, six times a week, saving the seventh day for reward meals. Depending on your health and fitness objectives, however, you might want to alter your setup for the week. For instance, to lose weight, you might aim for five low-carb days interspersed with two high-carb days, suggests Starnes. On the other hand, if gaining weight and adding muscle is your goal, think about including four or even five high-carb days. “Just make sure not to put all your high-carb days back-to-back,” Starnes says. “You should space them evenly throughout the week.” No matter your plan, be prepared to closely monitor your progress and consider adjusting your schedule to see what brings the best results for you.

Choose Your Fuel

So should you just munch on meat during your low-carb days and pig out on pasta the rest of the week? Not exactly. Jessica Crandall, R.D.N, a dietician and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, recommends getting the majority of your calories on high-carb days from complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, legumes and fruits (or a high-quality protein shake if you’re in a pinch). “They’ll keep you energized throughout the day while still promoting weight loss,” she says. To power through low-carb days, try to get your protein from chicken, fish, lean beef, eggs or tofu and complement it with non-starchy veggies — basically anything besides potatoes, corn and peas is fair game. As a general rule, says Starnes, do the majority of your shopping around the perimeter of the grocery store; you’ll load up on fresh staples and sidestep preservative-packed processed foods.

Snack on Track

Many trainers suggest taking a “cheat day” and allowing yourself to eat what you like, but make sure that approach isn’t setting you back. “To sustain a diet, a weekly reward day is not the best option,” says Crandall. “If you’re in the mindset to indulge after depriving yourself, you could end up eating 5,000 calories in one day when you only need 1,400 — and that will derail any progress you’ve made.” But don’t be discouraged; there is a littlewiggle room for treats in a carb cycling plan. “If having an occasional bagel or bowl of sugary cereal helps you comply with your meal plan, work that into a high-carb day,” says Starnes. “Just scale back the other meals a bit that day.”

Make a Meal Plan

Once you’ve stocked your fridge and pantry with healthy grains, proteins and produce, coming up with a daily menu is key for achieving the best results. As a general rule, though it will vary from person to person, Crandall says that women should take in around 1,200 calories and men around 1,500 on low-carb days, with slightly more on high-carb days. Starnes recommends calculating the correct portions of each macronutrient by getting a certain number of grams per pound of body weight, based on the following formulas:

Men

High-carb day2–3 grams of carbs (x your body weight)
1–1.25 grams of protein (x your body weight)
As little fat as possible

Low-carb day0.5–1.5 grams of carbs (x your body weight)
1.25–1.5 grams of protein (x your body weight)
0.15–0.35 grams of fat (x your body weight)

Women

High-carb dayAbout 1 gram of carbs (x your body weight)
0.75 grams of protein (x your body weight)
As little fat as possible

Low-carb day0.2–0.5 grams of carbs (x your body weight)
About 1 gram of protein (x your body weight)
0.1–0.2 grams of fat (x your body weight)

For both low- and high-carb days, be sure to eat breakfast as soon as possible when you wake up, then consume the rest of your calories across another four to six small meals throughout the day, advises Starnes. Here’s how you might schedule your meals:

A typical low-carb day:

7 a.m. two scrambled eggs with 1/2 red bell pepper
10 a.m. protein shake with berries1 p.m. 3 ounces grilled chicken with 1 cup asparagus
4 p.m. 1/3 cup oatmeal with 10 almonds
7 p.m. 3 ounces steak with 2 cups steamed broccoli and cauliflower

A typical high-carb day:

7 a.m. 1/2 cup oatmeal with walnuts and berries
10 a.m. apple with 2 tablespoons peanut or almond butter
1 p.m. half turkey sandwich on whole-wheat bread
4 p.m. 1 cup three-bean salad with 1 cup quinoa
7 p.m. 3 ounces grilled chicken with 1 cup whole-wheat pasta and pesto

Keep in mind that you can to still enjoy your favorite foods — just in moderation. “The goal is to slowly change your eating habits to include a variety of healthy foods,” says Crandall. That’s the kind of formula you can stick to for continued success.

HOME UPGRADES THAT PAY OFF

No sugar coating here: Is still not the easiest market in which to sell your home. You might want to     reconsider putting off that kitchen redo or landscaping job. “Any changes you make on your house now should increase your home value later,” says Kermit Baker, project director for the                     Remodeling Futures program at Harvard University. But which projects will yield the most bang for your buck? Take a look at this list, starting with the upgrades most likely to recoup your investment, and then enjoy that  gleaming new kitchen.

1. Painting

Why it pays off: Paint provides dramatic results with little investment. If you decide to hire a professional to do the work, expect to pay $3,600 to $6,000 for the interior of an average American house (about 2,400 square feet). An exterior paint job will run $5,000 or more. Can’t decide on a color? Gerri Willis, the anchor of Open House on CNN and the author of Home Rich (Random House, $25, amazon.com), says that pale yellow homes tend to sell faster and for more money. Barbara Richardson, the director of color marketing for Glidden and a noted color-trend forecaster, explains, “Yellow is optimistic and inspirational. It gives people joy and the sense that brighter times are ahead.”

2. Adding Siding

Why it pays off: According to the 2007 Cost vs. Value Report, a study conducted by Remodeling magazine, fiber-cement siding (which is made of sand, cement, and cellulose fibers and costs an average of $13,200) is estimated to recoup about 88 percent (or $11,635) of a home owner’s initial investment. While vinyl can crack, split, and warp and aluminum tends to dent and fade, easy-care fiber cement holds up well against the elements and is resistant to fire, rotting, and termites.

3. Building a Deck

Why it pays off: A deck will provide you with more than a place to flip burgers and soak up the sun. “Buyers see a deck as offering a seamless transition from inside to out,” says Jerry Levine, president of the Levine Group, an architectural and construction firm in Silver Spring, Maryland. Experts suggest using natural, rustic wood. In 2007 wooden decks (as opposed to concrete or composite ones) reaped an impressive return on investment: Home owners who spent an average of $10,350 on lumber and labor could expect to recoup $8,840, or 85 percent of their costs.

4. Updating the Kitchen

Why it pays off: You really can’t go wrong with remodeling your kitchen, which can net up to 83 percent of the cost. “People know that renovating can be a nightmare, and potential buyers will appreciate that you did the dirty work for them,” says Vern Yip, a designer and the host of HGTV’s Deserving Design. “But stick with high-quality fixtures, like stainless-steel appliances and granite counters, and don’t pair them with a cheaper material, like laminate.” A word of caution: If your house is a tiny two-bedroom bungalow, don’t bother splurging on, say, a high-end stove. “You’ll never get your money back by installing fancy appliances in a smaller home,” says Leslie Sellers, vice president of the Appraisal Institute, an association of real estate–appraisal professionals in Chicago. And if an appliance overhaul isn’t in the cards, “you can easily make cosmetic updates on a kitchen that’s in decent shape,” says Steven D. Bullock, a designer in New York City and a certified member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association, in Hackettstown, New Jersey. For example, if your existing appliances are in good working order, coat them with electrostatic paint to give them a metallic or enamel-type finish. And you don’t have to rip out your cabinets, either.

5. Replacing the Windows

Why it pays off: If you’re experiencing cool and blustery weather…in your living room, it’s time to buy new panes, pronto. Not only are you losing precious heat but your utility bill could also be skyrocketing. “Energy-efficient windows eliminate drafts, so your home feels warmer,” says Sellers. Last year home owners who spent $11,400 on 10 three-by-five-foot insulated vinyl or aluminum-clad windows got an 81 percent ($9,240) return.

6. Modifying a Bathroom

Why it pays off: Bathroom upgrades, like updated countertops and new fixtures, provide solid returns―anywhere from 68 to 78 percent. But “avoid anything too trendy,” says designer Vern Yip. “Choose classic features, like off-white subway tiles, that will appeal to people with both traditional and contemporary tastes.” There’s no need to splurge on fancy fixtures, either. “A tub is a tub. A Jacuzzi will never make or break a sale,” says designer Steven D. Bullock. For quick touch-ups on existing sinks, toilets, and tubs, consider hiring Miracle Method, a surface-restoration company that recoats ceramic, porcelain, and fiberglass fixtures with a chemical bonding agent that looks like shiny new porcelain. (Cost: $465 to $600 for a tub, miraclemethod.com.)

7. Landscaping

Why it pays off: The front of your house is the first thing people see, so it makes sense that any improvements―from planting petunias to surrounding your home with a hedge―will be worth your while. “Don’t be afraid to spend money on perennials, which come back year after year,” says Yip. As for big-ticket investments, like trees, they aren’t just nice to look at; they also stave off erosion, block storm-water runoff, reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and filter groundwater pollutants. They might make your home sell for more money, too. The Arbor Day Foundation estimates a six- to eight-foot Colorado blue spruce or live oak (both are commonly found all around the United States) may grow one to two feet a year. And properties with gorgeous, established trees are even more attractive to potential home buyers down the road. When determining which areas of your yard to attend to first, try approaching the house from the curb to the front door. “Buyers make their decisions in exactly eight seconds,” says Barbara Corcoran, founder of the Corcoran Group, a Manhattan real estate firm. “After that, they’ve either fallen in love or are just honoring an appointment.”

8. Installing Central Air-Conditioning

Why it pays off: Adding central air to an average 2,400-square-foot house could cost upward of $10,000 and boost your home’s value by 10 to 20 percent, says appraiser Leslie Sellers. And central air-conditioning is energy-efficient too. Centralized units have an average energy-efficiency rating (EER) of 11.5, compared with an 8.5 EER in single-window models, making them less expensive to run. What’s more, central air won’t block the view the way a window unit does.

9. Fixing up the Basement

Why it pays off: “There’s nothing worse than that unmistakable damp-basement smell,” says Corcoran. “A dry basement is far more important than worrying about the right lighting or furnishings.” If your basement is prone to flooding, leaks, or excess moisture, call in a pro. If you do want to finish your basement by adding drywall, insulation, laminate flooring, or even a bathroom, “be sure it’s proportional in quality to other areas of your home,” says Lonny Rutherford, a chairman of the National Association of Home Builders Remodelers, in Washington, D.C. According to Sellers, “basement remodels gain back anywhere from 50 to 100 percent, depending on the quality of the materials.”

10. Putting in a Swimming Pool

Why it pays off: When you’re deciding whether to install a pool, it’s important to consider the part of the country where you live. In places where it can get unforgivingly hot, such as Arizona and Florida, an inground pool may boost a home’s value by up to 8 percent, according to a 2003 study by the National Association of Realtors. In more temperate areas, however, a pool can be a big turnoff, as prospective buyers imagine all the work they’ll have to do to maintain it, not to mention safety issues and higher insurance rates. But if you plan to enjoy a pool for a few years and it improves your quality of life, “then go for it,” says Tom Kraeutler, a cohost of The Money Pit, a home-improvement radio show, and a coauthor of My Home, My Money Pit (the Globe Pequot Press, $20, amazon.com). “You can’t put a number on that.”