Over the past few weeks, we've been talking about what kind of improvements can help add real value to your home in today's market. I'm not sure about you, but with four children ages five and under, Julie and I don't have a ton of time to figure out what will appeal to the masses.
 
So how do you figure out what's hot and not? Since we have still have an array of model homes in the area it's good to go check out the price range in which you would sell your house as well as one level up. For instance, if you think you'd want to sell your home for $250k, it would be a good idea to see what builders are offering in that range and the $300k range. This will help you understand what's standard at that price range and what you have in your home that would be noted as an upgrade. By looking at the next price bracket, it will also give you some ideas around what you can do to help make your home feel like a more expensive home helping to give you an edge over a new home.
 
Some great places to find the location of model homes in your area is move.com which includes a new home search engine that will help link you to builders' sites. Another way to see what homes in your range offer is by checking out what's currently listed on Realtor.com. Finally, home improvement and design sites, like those listed below, will help you give you ideas around current trends and some things you can do to improve your home.
 
HGTV, Southern Living, Fine Living and Home and Design 

Best of luck in all your home improvement efforts-let me know how it goes.