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While some aspects of an appraisal, such as comparable properties nearby, are out of your control, there are several steps you can take to potentially increase your home's value. Make any necessary repairs and upgrades before the appraiser's visit, as they can only value what is currently part of the home, not its potential. Examples include renovating older areas, updating landscaping to boost curb appeal, and staging your home. You can also provide the appraiser with the cost of recent upgrades, which may increase your home's value by about 50% or more of what you paid for those improvements.

If installing board and batten fixes an issue with the home, it could increase the value, but it isn’t commonly installed for that purpose. Board and batten is an aesthetic choice and, like most aesthetic choices, will do little to raise your home’s value. That being said, certain design elements can help attract more buyers, even if your home’s price won’t see a noticeable bump. 

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.

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.