Selling a home isn't easy. There are numerous hoops to jump through and most realtors would agree that it can get extremely competitive. To stand out from the rest of houses around you, you must bring in a home inspector or consult with your realtor about ways you can increase the value of you residence before you put it on the market. Here are five expert tips:

1. Break out the paint
When is the last time you painted your bedroom or living room? Does it look like your home's exterior could use a fresh coat of paint? One cost-effective way to draw in potential buyers is to break out a few gallons of paint. Years of wear and tear can make your house's interior look dingy, but with a new layer of paint, it can look brand new. Don't forget to touch up your baseboards and window frames, as well.

2. Upgrade your kitchen
HGTV says if you talk to any real estate agent about which rooms you should upgrade, they will tell you to pay attention to your kitchen. Potential buyers love a good kitchen, especially if it has been recently renovated. Start with a mini remodel, which may include painting or installing new lighting. Then, consider updating your kitchen appliances. Stainless steel is in high demand, which means these appliances could instantly boost your home's selling price. Other upgrades include new countertops, flooring or cabinets. 

3. Do some major TLC
If you have children, pets or have just lived in your home for a few years, it probably is in need of some major TLC. Go through your home and make notes of anything that you may need to repair or replace. You might not care about a leaky faucet, bad light switch or rusty gutters, but all of these small problems will add up quickly in a buyer's mind. Bring in a handy man to go through your house and fix anything you think could deter buyers from making a solid offer.

4. Repair your roof
Do not forget to pay attention to your roof. According to the National Association of Realtor and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, a new roof is one of the smartest home improvements you can make. Realtor Mag found homeowners recouped 105 percent of their new roof investment when they sold their house. Though it might seem like a large cost upfront, buyers want to know that the roof will last for at least a few more years without repairs. If you can tell them you recently repaired or replaced it, your home's value may rise significantly. 

5. Replace windows and doors
It's time to replace your old, leaky windows and sliding glass doors for energy-efficient vinyl models. Consumer Reports wrote that lowering your home's overall energy costs can dramatically impact your house's final selling price. By most estimates, energy-efficient windows and doors can lower your energy bills by 7 to 15 percent a year.

While heating and cooling costs are important, with hurricane season in Florida, if you upgrade to impact-resistant windows, you will certainly stand out from other houses. After all, buyers don't want to worry about the next storm shattering their windows or causing leaks. Consider investing in replacement windows as one of the best ways to increase your home's value.

If you think it's time to replace your windows to increase the value of your home, look no further than NewSouth Window Solutions. At NewSouth Window Solutions, we take full responsibility for all of our high-quality, factory-direct windows and how they are installed in your home. Contact us today to learn more about our commitment to professional window installation at an affordable price.