Abby, we’re just not sure what to do. We don’t have a ton of money, but we would like to make some updates to our house to improve its curb appeal and to increase our equity. We know we would have to spend some major dough to see any real increase in our equity, but aside from a major renovation or room addition, what can we do on a limited budget?

Signed,

Seriously Stumped

Well it sounds like you are Improvement Inclined and Monetarily Challenged! Don’t despair. You’d be amazed at what a few bucks and a little elbow grease will do! You don’t have to break the bank to make your home more appealing to you while you are there and to any possible future buyer. Here are a few improvements you can make with less than $1000 and usually in just a weekend.

Plant a tree.

Plan for the future with a landscaping improvement that will mature over time: a shade tree. Not only will a mature tree make your home more desirable, it will also provide a habitat for wildlife and add curb appeal. Plus, a properly placed tree can cut your cooling costs by as much as 40 percent. So why not grab a shovel and get going?

Low-maintenance landscaping saves you money now, adds value when you sell.

Shrubs and colorful plants will add curb appeal to your home, but make sure you "think green" while you're shopping at the local garden center. Purchase plants that are native to your region, or water-conserving drought-tolerant vegetation. These require less water and maintenance, which means you'll save time and have a little more green in your yard and your wallet.

Add a money-saving luxury.

Here's another way to tap into extra savings: install a water filtration system in your kitchen. Not only do these systems purify your water, you'll also save the money you were spending on bottled water. A water filtration system is an inexpensive addition, but it's the sort of small luxury that home buyers love.

Improve the air quality inside your home.

Air quality isn't just about outdoor conditions --older carpets can hide contaminates and allergens. Hire a professional company to test your indoor air quality to determine if your rugs need to be replaced. When choosing new flooring, remember that hard surface floors are easier to keep clean, and are usually more appealing to buyers.

Save the popcorn for the movies.

Few structural elements date a house more than popcorn ceilings. So dedicate a weekend to ditching the dated look and adding dollar signs to the value of your home. First, visit your local hardware store for a solution to soften the texture. Then, simply scrape the popcorn away. It'll bring your house into the new millennium with minimal cost and effort.

Update your bathroom and add lots of value.

The two rooms that gain the most value from small renovation are the kitchen and bathroom. You can do a minor bathroom remodel for less than $750, and even one cost-effective change will guarantee a lot of bang for your buck. Replacing an outdated vanity, old plumbing or lighting fixtures or adding a new tile floor will give your bath an updated, modern look -- without breaking the bank.

Any kitchen update equals added value.

The same rule applies in the kitchen. You don't have to start the room's design from scratch to maximize your home's value. Start by swapping out just one item, such as a stained sink or ancient microwave for shiny new stainless models. Even small kitchen updates will add big value to your home.

Replace any worn carpets or area rugs.

Take a look at your home's soft flooring. Are your carpets and area rugs stained or worn? Nothing turns buyers off more than the thought that they will immediately need to replace all of the flooring in a home. If a limited budget keeps you from replacing all the flooring, start by replacing the carpet in the room that shows the most wear and tear. You can replace the others as your finances allow.

Keep up with regular maintenance and repairs.

Walk around your home and make a list of all the small things that need to be repaired. Small repairs may not seem important by themselves, but little things can add up to create the impression that your home has been neglected. Don't feel comfortable tackling repairs yourself? Hire a handyman for a day and watch your "to-do" list disappear. Staying on top of maintenance today eliminates problems down the road should you decide to sell.

Get help with getting organized.

Hire a lifestyle coach for a day. How does that help your home? The coach will help you organize your life, which includes organizing your home. A clutter-free house is part of a more organized life, and an orderly home is more valuable.

Go tankless.

Trade your standard water heater for a tankless model. Most old-fashioned water heaters keep 50 gallons of water hot at all times -- whether you use the water or not. Tankless water heaters heat only the water you need, as you need it. The eco-friendly water heater will save energy and money, and will help set you home apart if you sell.

Upgrade your appliances.

Eighty-six the old school appliances for sleek new energy-efficient ones. An appliance with an energy star label has been certified by the government to use 10 to 50 percent less energy and water than conventional appliances. Matching stainless appliances will not only look great now but will make your home shine brighter than the competition if it's on the market.

Go for the green.

Everyone loves a yard with thick, green grass. Usually, with less than $1,000 and a weekend's time, you can replace your existing patchy mix of weeds and grass with fresh new sod. You'll be amazed at the difference this one change will make in your home's curb appeal and value.

So you see, you don’t have to win the lottery to improve the value of your home and odds are you’ll also be increasing your level of enjoyment while in your home. Hope this helps, and if you need anything else, you know you can always call.