1. IT ALL STARTS AT THE CURB

   Everyone knows the value of a first impression. But Re/Max had learned that landscaping the front and backyard of your home will give you a 7% better return on your renovating dollar over the average return on other popular renos you might consider.
   Increasing your curb appeal can be as simple as adding containers of brightly coloured flowers. Another idea would be to add a lot maintenance garden for blocks of colour and texture. Also, consider a simple water fixture in the backyard to add ambiance.

2. THE KITCHEN IS THE HUB

   Ever wonder why "kitchen parties" naturally occur every time you have guests?
   Well, it's because the kitchen is the hub of every home. It's where we get nourishment, refreshment, gather and regroup after a busy day. It is a room with real value for every family. At Re/Max we're learned that kitchen upgrades can really deliver, with a 44% higher return on investment over the average return on other popular renos you might consider.
   Whether you're working with a contemporary kitchen of more of a country feel, stainless steel appliances continue to hold a lot of interest. In cabinetry, look at fine-grained maple, stained or natural, over the traditional heavy oak look of the past. Laminates and marble are great choices for countertops, but granite continues to be the most popular surface of all. Check out the latest fixtures in today's new, brushed nickel finishes.

3. REKINDLE YOUR PASSION FOR LIVING

   Nothing beats the feeling of curling up around a fire on a cold winter's night. Not to mention the comfort-ing feeling of hearth and home that a fireplace adds to a room.
   Re/Max's Return on Reno Index will tell you that installing or upgrading the fireplace in your home will generate 11% greater return on investment than the average return on other popular renos you might consider.
   Gas fireplaces have made huge advances in popu-larity thanks to recent increases in efficiency as well as advances in design. A gas fireplace delivers the best of both worlds - all the comfort without the mess and maintenance.

4. TRY A FRESH COAT OF PAINT

   Often overlooked for the dramatic effect it can have on any living environment, Re/Max has learned that simple repainting of walls gives you a 29% return on the dollar over the average. Whether you go neutral with splashes of colour or warm and dramatic, trends for 2003 include a mix of strong colours, mixed with nature inspired neutrals - energy colours like orange, aqua, sage and blue, along with neutral palates leaning toward bisque, fawn, gray and walnut.

5. DISAPPEAR IN YOUR PERSONAL SPA

   Today's stress-filled world leaves us all crying out for rest and relaxation. Re/Max knows that making your bathroom the best it can be will generate a 56% better return on investment than the average reno-vation.
   The goal should be to create a spa-like environ-ment in your bathroom by installing a soaker tub with relaxing jets, or perhaps a new steam shower stall.

6. GREAT IDEAS UNDERFOOT

   Great looking floors are a strong feature of any home. It often makes all the difference. With Re/Max, we'll show you how this upgrade can generate a 22% better return on investment than the average.
   Start by ripping out that dated wall-to-wall carpet. Then, sand your existing floors down and refinish them, or choose one of the many easy-to-install and affordable laminates now available. A darker stain gives an elegant, yet up to date look. Use area rugs to accent and ground the space.

   These easy, yet effective ideas will greatly increase the value of your home!