Whether you need to relocate for work or find a house that fits your personality better, it’s good to keep your options open. As soon as you make a few updates, you’re going to try to sell it. But you’re wondering which improvements will give you the most return on your investment.

Here are the home improvements you can make that will have you laughing all the way to the bank.

Redo the Kitchen

The kitchen can be the heart of a home. And when it comes to kitchens, most buyers want modern and cutting-edge.

Instead of redoing the entire room, which can get pricey, focus on installing new stainless-steel appliances, a more modern countertop, and flooring, and perhaps some updated cabinets as well.

You’ll also want to make sure the paint is fresh.

Make Sure the Basement is Up to Snuff

Not everyone wants a big house because the upkeep can be too much. But no matter what size of house you have, people do like to feel there isn’t a bunch of wasted space there.

Taking an unfinished basement and converting it to a finished basement is a great way to add value to your home. Some things to do with the space include installing a bar, a home entertainment room, a home office, or an extra bathroom or bedroom. The possibilities are endless.

One of the hottest trends right now is putting in a flex room – a room that can serve several different purposes. A flex room could work as an extra bedroom, an office, a playroom, or an exercise room.

New Windows

Nothing dates a home quite like its windows do. Not only do high-efficiency windows save a lot of money over the long term for heating and cooling costs, but they also just look nicer, which is one of the first things a potential buyer will notice.

Putting in new windows can be costly, but if you still have a year or two before you plan to sell, you’ll recoup some of the money in energy savings.

An Outdoor Living Space

Having the option to entertain in an outdoor space has become increasingly important in the last couple decades. Decks and patios are a highly-sought feature, as are firepits and outdoor seating.

But one thing you might not want to do is install a swimming pool in the backyard. A swimming pool, and the costs of maintaining it may be enough to turn off some buyers. Plus, it won’t increase the home value enough to pay for the cost of installing it.

Freshen Up the Paint

Before you attempt to sell your home, you should freshen up every room with a new coat of paint. Paint is one of the cheapest fixes you can do to dress up your house, which is good news for people who are on a strict budget but want to sell their home for as much as possible.

Although you may love loud and wacky colors, neutrals are still the way to go. If you make your living room walls bright orange and your potential buyers have a red couch, it’ll be enough to give them pause when making an offer.