Curb appeal – You’ve heard it before, but curb appeal really does matter. First impressions stick, and curb appeal is the very first impression your home has a chance to make.  If you don’t have a lot of time and/or money to dedicate to improving your landscaping and the exterior of your home, try to focus on tidying things up a bit.  Remove weeds, rake the leaves and sweep the drive and walkways.  If the season is right, plant some inexpensive flowers to draw attention away from other problem areas of the yard.

Paint – A fresh coat of paint in a room can really do wonders to a home.  If you are thinking of selling your home at any point, try to use neutral colors that could appeal to different tastes.  Lighter colors are easier to paint over if a new owner wishes to change them.  Don’t feel you need to repaint the entire home – the kitchen and bath are the rooms that usually can benefit the most from a fresh coat due to the wear and tear they experience

Replace old carpet – Floors can often be overlooked, however new carpet in a room can really transform a place.  There may be sentimental value in that  70’s shag, but replacing it is one of the easiest ways to add value to your home.  Who knows, there may even be some beautiful hard wood hiding under that old carpet! 

Kitchen and Bathroom improvements – A kitchen or bathroom remodel is one of the most effective ways to increase your home’s worth.  According to HGTV, “The two rooms that benefit the most from even small renovations are the kitchen and bathroom.”  Don’t have the time and money for a complete remodel?  Look to replace dated wallpaper and fixtures, or update the lighting.  New appliances add value to your property as well.  Because of their small size, bathrooms tend to be one of the most affordable areas to make major improvements – like new floors and cabinets.

Clean, clean clean!  One of the easiest and most affordable ways to improve your home is to keep it in the best shape possible.  Deep clean every nook and cranny, and try your best to keep it that way!  Clutter is one of the biggest culprits in making a home look messy.  Try to get your closets organized, and trim the fat!  Get rid of unused items and old clothes!  Having trouble keeping up after the kids? Try to designate a defined area for them to make a mess in.  If a potential buyer is looking at your place, it will be easier to imagine it without the kids’ influence if their mess is limited to one area of the home!