Remodeling or updating parts of the house can be both fun and scary. It makes the home more modern and tailored to your preferences, but can also leave a costly burden on your financials. Luckily, the kitchen is a great investment for many homeowners, largely due to the fact that return rates are sometimes over 100 percent of total cost. It will not only increase the value of the home, but also may help sell it to potential owners.

Being the central hub of the home, the kitchen is a place where people can tell where money has been spent in improvements and features. Kitchens are laid out to show cabinets, appliances and colors, and if they’re out-of-date, it may hurt chances of selling on the market.

Depending on the funds available to you, every update will be different. But the following tips can help clean up the look of your kitchen and be an easier sell in the future.

• Traditional cabinets are better sellers than most, mainly because they’re tried and true favorites. Consider all-wood cabinets, and if you cannot purchase new ones, you can stain or paint them to refresh the look of them. Knobs should also be replaced if currently showing signs of age or a color change conflicts with their look.

• Granite, marble and stone countertops can handle high heat, are easy to clean and last incredibly long. They make a kitchen look more modern and will always impress guests. So if you’re opting for a kitchen countertop upgrade, check out some of these great tips from HGTV on which to choose.

• Natural wood or stone floors are best in kitchens, as they once again need to last long and resist normal wear and tear. Consider all the materials and budget your project to make your decision one that works best for you. HouseLogic has some great options for great kitchen floors.

• Appliances can be pricey, but if you consider energy savings and quality, this is one area that should not be cut for cheaper choices. Appliances such as refrigerators, ovens and microwaves have become more eco-friendly and affordable as the technology becomes more main-stream. Even if you cannot upgrade them all, one or two that fit into your budget will make long-term investment a wise choice.

Remember, only make upgrades if necessary and within your budget. Work with your RE/MAX Agent to enhance your home’s best features to accomplish a great sale!