Investing in your home could help increase its value when it is time to sell.
Upgrading your home's curb appeal, making it more energy-efficient, and updating appliances can help to draw in buyers.
A Chase Home Equity Line of Credit might be an excellent choice to assist you finance these repairs.
If you have been in your home for a short time , and are an honest steward of your mortgage payment, you will probably have equity you'll use to fund a large-scale home improvement project. Not only will it make your home more functional and attractive, but it can bolster its resale value when you're able to move.

A great option for larger projects is a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) from Chase for up to 80% of your home's current value, less than the amount you owe on mortgages.

The credit framework of a HELOC is similar to a credit card, meaning the credit line gets replenished every time you make a payment. And the interest rate is usually less than credit-card rates — an important factor if the projects costs well into five figures. It's often better to use a fraction of a home equity line of credit, as opposed to maxing out a credit card.

So, now that you know how to pay for your bigger projects, it's time to figure out what type of renovation makes the most sense for your needs.

Here are a couple of renovation ideas to think about that would be well worth the investment. And to assist get you started, this quiz by Chase can offer you a customized vision board for your new space.

1. Get green
Updating your home with more energy-efficient features will dramatically cut utility costs and provides potential buyers confidence that the heating and air systems won't break down soon after they move in. In fact, a survey of land agents by the National Association of Realtors found that quite half potential buyers were curious about energy-efficient homes. Even if you are not able to sell, you'll likely reap savings for items like Energy Star-certified windows or gas-powered tankless water heaters.

2. Cook up something new in the kitchen
You can refresh the look, feel, and functionality of your kitchen by installing new appliances or giving cabinet fronts a facelift. A fairly simple remodel can be completed for about $20,000, and replacing those creaky cabinets and outdated appliances could help you recoup up to 80% of that investment when you sell your home. According to Remodeling magazine, a bigger kitchen project can still generate about 60% in ROI. And for these larger undertakings, a HELOC might be a good option to help you cover the expenses. A Chase Home Lending Advisor can help you figure out if this is the best route for you.

3. Beef up the basement
If your family is growing and you would like more room , or if your college grad has recently returned to the nest, it'd be time to take a position in your basement. If it's unfinished, give your basement a radical cleaning — then build out a bedroom and toilet . Future potential buyers could envision it as an in-law suite, or a rental option for travelers and students.

4. Landscape lusciously
It's amazing what a couple of carefully chosen and placed trees and shrubbery can do for a sub-par yard . When the new azaleas and pink dogwoods are in bloom, the curb appeal of your property will attract potential buyers in droves. And, according to the US Department of Agriculture, healthy, mature trees can add an average of 10% to a home's property value.

5. Get smart
If your house was built before smart-home technology became a must-have, allocate some of your renovation money to these useful high-tech connectivity upgrades. Most functions — from accessing security cameras to controlling your lights or HVAC system — can be handled through the touch of a smartphone keypad.

While some of these renovations can be completed for just a few thousand dollars, others are bigger ticket items. Rather than raid your savings to pay for the upgrade, you may consider the financing