Home instances so far have no real purpose beyond your personal story. Sure as the story progresses new shops appear in it that no one really buys from. I suggest that the shops in your home instance should provide on your level unique items. Items that appear are directly connected to the personal story line that you choose and all starting questions. This will ensure people will want to do their story quests as well offer unique rewards for choosing different paths.
For example:
Choosing lost sister event and completing it is directly effected by your family status (noble, common, street). Your sister will then appear in your home instance in your status location. Your sister would then offer special equipment such as:
Noble
*royal armour (light/medium/heavy)
*royal weapons
Commoner
- armour
- weapons
- commoner town clothing
ect.
This list could go on what could be done to improve it
Ranger; Warrior; Mesmer; Elementalist; Guardian; Engineer
[GWAM] and [LUST]
Mess with the best, die like the rest.
This would be good, both the home instance and my status seem to have had little effect outside the story.
I would also add the ability to replay past missions, that way I can enjoy my characters story again with new friends.
When life offers you two paths, take the third road.