Top home improvement values

Homegain.com recently provided a list of top home improvement values that bring the highest returns for the investment. What is no surprise is that decluttering and cleaning are at the top of the list. Home buyers will frequently turn away quickly from a home that is dirty and cluttered. It typically costs very little to clean a home and throw away items that take up space without adding value. Let your home shine so others can see themselves living there. Get rid of the things you don't need...old newspapers, junk mail, expired magazines, catalogs, trash...on and on. After you eliminate the clutter; clean the walls, countertops, appliances, floors, lamps cabinets, etc. Make your home shine. Although it costs little, it will set your home apart, may put it on a buyer's short list and will probably show off your home's best features.

Another low-cost winning home improvement is to brighten up the place. Your home will be more inviting after you clean, and an inexpensive coat of paint in a neutral, light tone will do wonders for the ambiance of the rooms. Neutral colors will improve the flow between rooms and will likely make the rooms appear larger. You should also replace missing light bulbs and add a few lamps to change a room from dark to bright and make the room more calm and refreshing.

Stage your home. Move furniture into groupings of typical living areas such as areas for conversation, eating areas, and reading or TV groupings. Make the room appear more spacious by not crowding too much furniture in one polace. Eliminate items that collect dust but don't fit the theme of your room. Wilted and dying plants as well as out-of-date flower arrangements or too many pictures on the walls make a room too busy and less inviting. Do not have an over-abundance of family photos. Buyers need to imagine themselves in your home....not be distracted by personal items.

Provide curb appeal outside the home and make your yard inviting. Give the yard a pleasant and livable appearance with neat and attractive landscaping that flows. Keep your lawn mowed. Get rid of weeds and dying shrubs. Replace them with neatly trimmed landscaping. It doesn't have to be expensive. Add some low-cost mulch to blend plants and shrubs. Bring in a few spashes of color with plants in season.

These tips can move your home higher up the list above others for potential buyers. Often buyers will cruise a neighborhood and target homes to view that have an inviting experience. But don't stop at the curb. Make sure you keep the buyer's interest when they come inside with the pleasant and uncluttered appearance of the rooms. Many homes are not selling and some are not even getting offers in today's market. With low cost, minimal planning and a little elbow grease, you can make your home stand out from the others and increase prospects of a successful sale.