People often move for job or educational opportunities, to follow family, or any number of other motivations.  But what if you're simply too "cramped" in your home?  You face a dilemma: move, or just improve?

First consider how long you might stay where you are.  It doesn't make much sense to pour money into improvements if you're planning to sell any time soon.  Potential buyers may not agree with your choice of improvements, and with all the turmoil and inconvenience involved in most remodeling projects, your biggest benefit comes from remaining and enjoying the fruits of your labor!

Investigate how your planned improvements will impact the value of your home against others in your neighborhood.  Your home could actually take longer to sell in the future if it's in the "upper end" of choices.  Buyers historically opt for the least expensive home in the most expensive neighborhood they can afford.

Of course, there are many improvements that will add to your home's resale value down the road, without pricing you out of the market.  Visit the National Association of Home Builders website at nahb.org for information about the potential value of a range of improvements.

Regardless of market conditions, your home is where you should be happy.  "Improve or move" is an emotional as well as a financial decision that requires deep and honest evaluation.