Who doesn't want a home to increase in value while owning it? Determining which of the hundreds of home improvement options are the best investments often generates lots of questions from owners. Most homeowners want to know which improvements are the most popular when homes resell, what each is likely to cost, and which offer the best return on investment. Here are six projects that are sure bets.

Adding a Smart Doorbell

This is one improvement homeowners will enjoy long before listing their homes for sale. Smart technology has brought relatively inexpensive smart doorbells to the marketplace. These devices allow a resident to both see and talk with someone at the door. Most models run less than $200. Prospective buyers will view a smart doorbell as a security feature as well as a conversation piece.

Plan for the Future with Landscaping

It's easy to forget the importance of a home's curb appeal while mulling over dozens of interior home improvement possibilities. Choosing plants, bushes, and shrubs that will become increasingly attractive as they mature and add a bit of color to the yard is a great move. It's also a project that could cost a few hundred dollars or less. Landscaping is usually the first thing people notice about a property and can have a big impact on a potential sale.

Modernize the Kitchen

First-time buyers in particular focus on whether a kitchen is modern. For about $5,000, it's possible to replace all appliances, flooring, and countertops and bump up a home's sales price by as much as 7 percent. Which are the most popular replacements? Buyers favor stainless steel appliances. Quartz is quickly growing in favor over marble and granite for countertops.

Lower Energy Costs

You'll save money while you live in your home and give your real estate agent a major selling advantage when you're ready to put it on the market. One survey suggests that when prospective homebuyers ranked attributes that would influence a purchase decision, an energy-efficient residence ranked second only to a safe community, while smart technology and home automation also had appeal. Energy-savvy millennials often ask to see a couple of years of utility bills and want to know about insulation's R-value. An owner's best return on investment comes from installing insulation, high-efficiency windows, a high-efficiency water heater, and LED lighting.

Complete a Minor Bathroom Remodel

Create an updated bathroom look with a minor remodeling project. Does the tub look dingy? It's possible to re-glaze it for around $400. Periodically removing old caulk and replacing it with new is an easy and inexpensive project. Replacing old shower doors is a great way to give a bathroom a facelift. This is also a good time to jettison any outdated wall coverings and add a fresh layer of paint. Spray-on texture products are good choices for damaged walls.

Rethink the Laundry Room

Buyers are looking for a dedicated laundry room space, whether it's just off the kitchen or near bedrooms on the second floor. Upstairs laundry rooms are particularly popular these days, affording homeowners lots of convenience when it comes to supplying clean clothes. An investment in an integrated matching washer and dryer set starts at around $1,000 per appliance. If you already have space for them, any additional cost might be merely a gallon of paint.

Owners have more home improvement options than ever that allow them to enjoy their residences while watching them increase in value. Often improvements are a mix of do-it-yourself projects and those finessed by contractors. For help deciding which improvements offer the best return on investment for your Mount Juliet home, contact a local real estate professional.