Low unemployment, rising salaries, fears of inflation and an increasing federal deficit are among many reasons why interest rates can  rise, causing banks to charge more to customers for car loans, credit cards and mortgage loans.

But don't let rising rates discourage you from buying a home. While you're going to pay more for your loan in interest, with a correspondingly higher monthly payment, you're getting higher standard tax deductions in 2018 ($13,000 to $24,000 for couples filing jointly, $6,500 to $12,000 for single filers.) Child care credits are more generous, and your mortgage interest payments are still tax deductible, up to loans of $750,000 or more.

According to the mortgage calculator at Bankrate.com, a home purchased by a borrower with excellent credit for $400,000, with 20 percent down ($80,000) and a benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 4%, would have a monthly payment of $1527.73. If rates hit 4.5%, the same borrower would pay $1621.39 monthly, or a difference of about $94. Roughly, every increase of 1/8th of a point translates to a little less than $25 per month more in your payment. As always, consult your tax professional for specific advice.

Compared that to the tax breaks you're getting, you're ready to go.

Most buyers want a move-in ready home that’s clean, updated and functional and they’re willing to pay more to get what they want. Here are just a few improvements you can do that will go a long way with buyers.

1. Update the finishes. If you’re going to improve a room, update everything, even the light switches. Get rid of popcorn ceilings, which are universally reviled by buyers. If you have wood floors, pull up your old carpet and polish the wood until it gleams.
2. Reconvert the conversions. Conversions are usually awkward, such as garages turned into living spaces. The house and garage elevations are rarely the same, giving a cheap add-on vibe to the conversion. The driveway leads nowhere and there’s no place to park cars away from the next hailstorm.
3. Paint neutrally. Nothing improves a home like fresh paint. Your Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network professional can help you choose appealing colors and finishes.
4. Fix obvious problems. If you can see it, your buyer will see it, too, so fix the sticking door, the running toilet, the leaky faucet, the busted sprinkler head, the wobbly ceiling fan, the loose doorknob, and so on. Buyers are so turned off by dirt, so plan to deep clean every nook and corner.
5. Say “Welcome!” with curb appeal. Fresh modern paint on the front door, a new welcome mat, potted flowers, shiny new porch lights all show pride of ownership – something you want your buyers to feel, too.