Tag Archives: homeownership strategies

Renovations That Actually Add Value: Where to Spend Your Money in 2026

Not every renovation is an investment.

Some improvements make your home more enjoyable to live in. Others make it easier to sell. And some can add meaningful value to the property.

The challenge is knowing the difference.

If you’re planning to spend $10,000, $30,000, or even $100,000 on your home, the question shouldn’t simply be:

“What would look better?”

It should be:

“Where will my money create the most value?”

In 2026, buyers are increasingly looking for homes that are well maintained, energy efficient, functional, and move-in ready. That means some of the highest-value renovations aren’t necessarily the biggest or most expensive projects.

Here are some of the improvements worth considering if you’re looking to increase your home’s appeal and potentially improve its resale value.

Why Your Mortgage Should Be Built Backward From Your Exit Strategy

Most people choose a mortgage by looking at what works today.

What rate can I get?

What payment can I afford?

How much will the bank approve?

Those questions matter. But they’re only part of the mortgage decision.

A mortgage is rarely going to stay exactly the same for the next 25 or 30 years. You may sell your home, move, refinance, access equity, buy an investment property, receive a large increase in income, or approach retirement.

So instead of asking only:

“What’s the best mortgage for me today?”

A better question is:

“Where am I likely going, and how should my mortgage be structured to help me get there?”

That’s what we mean by building a mortgage backward from the exit.

The Burn Your Mortgage Podcast: Soft Saving and Loud Budgeting with Lesley-Anne Scorgie

In my interview with Lesley-Anne, we discuss what LA is writing about right now, considerations when upsizing houses, what are people doing with their careers to afford houses and what are the money hacks to own a home sooner.