So now you have made the decision to put your home on the market. Are you thinking about what you can do to add value to your home but you don't have an extra $40,000 to remodel the kitchen or $10,000 to update the bathroom? You can update your home without putting out a large sum of cash if you are willing to put in a some sweat equity. There are many things you can do yourself to increase the value to your home.
Paint the Walls 
Are the walls painted with an out dated color or covered in old wallpaper? Take down that wallpaper and get a few cans of paint. This will make a dramatic difference. To get the most value, choose a neutral color scheme through out the home. This will make the space look larger and will appeal to more potential buyers.
Install Crown Molding
A simple job that adds a lot of character. Stop by your home improvement store to purchase the crown molding and have the strips cut to the size that fits your room. Then attach it to the top of the wall with a nail gun. You may even find the crown molding already painted.
Update Fixtures
Replace outdated switch plates, outlet covers, curtain rods, light fixtures and doorknobs. This makes the room more appealing. Attractive metal switch plates and outlet covers can cost as little as $5 apiece but look much more expensive. Light fixtures and decorative curtain rods can be a little pricier, but sometimes you can make an inexpensive piece look elegant with the right can of spray paint. Just make sure to choose items in more neutral colors and finishes that will match the homes color scheme.
Install Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are an appealing addition to any home. The use of ceiling fans can definitely cut down on air conditioning costs, Reverse the fan's spin and it will also help with heating costs. Choosing a quality fan could be no more than a couple hundred dollars. If you don't already have overhead lighting in the room, this is a great way to add some.
Improve Window Treatments
Consider replacing the outdated vertical blinds, horizontal blinds or paper shades with plantation shutters, wooden blinds or updated drapes. This is a simply way to make the home more attractive and appealing.
Restore and Show Those Hardwood Floors
Do you have hardwood floors hiding underneath carpet. If your floor squeaks, that's a good sign that you may have wood floors. If you do have wood floors, consider refinishing them to restore them to their original beauty. Buyers love wood floors and doing it yourself is much less expensive than installing new whole new floor.
Redo the Bathroom Floor
Many people can learn to do this themselves with a simple class at your local home improvement store. Installation is a major part of the cost of most home improvements, You can save that money on labor and use it towards a nicer flooring. Choose a neutral-colored tile to add the most value.
Update Fixtures
Replacing those outdated fixtures with newer, more updated ones can make your bathroom sparkle. Replace that shabby bathroom vanity or ceiling light fixture with something more elegant. Replace that old sink faucet and purchase a spa-style chrome shower head. Finish off the project with a matching new towel bar. These can add simple touches of luxury to any bathroom.
Kitchen Cabinets
Replacing those cabinets can be costly so why not consider painting or staining the existing cabinets. White cabinets will brighten the room, don't usually go out of style and are easy for future owners to repaint if they want something different. Make sure to remove all the hardware from your cabinets, and removing the doors. It is important to clean the cabinets of any dirt, grim and grease for the best results . This renovation can be used to spruce up your bathroom cabinets as well.
Upgrade Cabinet Knobs and Drawer Handles
Updating the cabinet knobs and drawer hardware can give your kitchen cabinets a face lift whether you redo your cabinets or not.
Clean Fireplace Brick
A beautiful brick fireplace can be a major selling point in any home. Make yours look as nice as possible by cleaning the bricks of soot and creosote. Just use a damp rag to wipe away some of the soot, then follow up with a fireplace cleaner designed to remove creosote. It will take some scrubbing and elbow grease with a stiff brush. and may take a few applications but your brick will look fantastic when done.
When selling your home, present your home to a potential buyer at it's best, show off the homes best features and work with a Realtor to price it right and "GET IT SOLD"
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