According to recent research, homeowners who make at least one improvement are more likely to sell their home above their list price than those who don't make any improvements. Cleaning and decluttering are relatively inexpensive tasks that can help boost the value of your home. Finishing a basement can increase the median home value by 66%, or an estimated $21,786 at resale. Paint is also a potent upgrade that can defend your home's surfaces from wear and tear and improve its appearance. Other renovations that can increase home value include HVAC conversion, which can recoup 1035% of its cost, and adding square footage, upgrading the kitchen or bath, and installing smart-home technology. External factors, such as traffic noise, can hurt property value, while factors like the return on investment for home improvements and the impact of natural disasters can also affect property value.