In most cases, you can expect home automation to boost your home value. This technology makes the homeowner’s life easier and more comfortable, and some provide increased safety and protection. Buyers will likely recognize value in security systems and utility monitors, as well as comfort-focused upgrades that save on electric bills while keeping interior rooms at the desired temperature and humidity. On average, you can expect a 50% and 75% return on investment on home automation services, and potentially even more if the automation reduces homeowner’s insurance.

While there’s technically no limit to the dollar amount you can borrow for a home addition, the standard limit is around 80% of the value the addition is expected to add to your home. That means you could feasibly borrow up to $80,000 if an appraiser determines that the addition or bump out will add $100,000 in value to your property. You might also be limited by your debt-to-income ratio or credit score.

While a finished basement adds value to your home, it is assigned a different value than space on the main floors. An appraiser will assess the square footage of a finished basement at about 50% to 60% of the value of the square footage for the rest of your home. Appraisal value for a finished basement depends on your location’s real estate market and the specifics of the basement and how it was finished. 

Both conventional loans and FHA loans are types of mortgages, but they have a few key differences. Conventional loans are backed by private lenders without any government backing, and FHA loans are guaranteed by a government agency. FHA loans are designed to be easier for borrowers with low credit scores or income to qualify for.