During these economic times, you need to count all the pennies, but spending a few on the best investment you have, your home is never a waste.  So here are a few that are relatively cheap to do but can make a big impact on your home's value whether your ready to sell or not.

The Front Door
The first impression of your home is the curbside and the front door.  Make it welcoming!  Repainting or replacing will improve the exterior appearance of your home. It will enhance an area that everyone sees, no matter if they're driving by or walking up. Don't forget the finishing touch, new hardware.

Plant the Seed
Again the first impression is from the curbside of your home. Landscaping can benefit your appeal with color and a manicured look.  If you don't have time for a lot of upkeep, go simple with potted plants on your porch or walkway.  When you can don't forget to work on that backyard also.

Paint the Walls
Not only is paint a cheap way to make your home look better, it also helps to brighten and give your home a more clean appearance.  You don't have to do every room, concentrate at first on the high traffic walls and work your way out.  Remember if you are selling go for more neutral colors, but if you are painting for yourself, this is a good cheap way to express yourself.

Lighting is Everything
Install some dimmer switches for enhancing the atmosphere of your home. 

Fix the Fixtures
You may not be able to afford to remodel your kitchen or bathroom at this time, but it doesn't cost an arm and leg to replace the faucets and hardware.  This can make a room look brand new and can even give it a different feel.  Plus if you paint the walls you may think that you did remodel the whole thing.

Fawn Over Your Flooring
We all know that replacing your flooring is an expensive job and may not be in your budget, so why not invest in a professional cleaner for your carpets as well as your tile floors.  Getting that grout professionally cleaned may make it feel like you did have a new floor put in.

No PopCorn
Its time for those "popcorn" ceilings to go!!!  Check out the internet for ways to get rid of it and then paint!  You will be so happy when you look up and don't see that hanging over you anymore.

Windows to the World
OK, this is not really the cheapest thing you can do to your home, but the reduced energy bills may make this one worth a consideration.  Installing new windows can also help bring in great light which will show off those beautiful repainted walls. 

Rearrange for Change
The absolute cheapest thing you can do is Rearrange!  Rearrange your furniture, move pieces into different rooms. Think outside of the box.  You might be surprised that amoire in the master looks really good in the living room.

Don't Forget the Garage
And you did, didn't you!  This is probably the most neglected area in your home, but cleaning out the clutter here, selling it in a garage sale, just might pay for all that paint you just bought.  Take time and organize it so that when you are working on the above home improvements you know where everything is for quick use.

These things may not sound like much, but sometimes just a little change, helps your mood, gives you renewed strength and just makes you feel good. Not to mention you should always take care of your home for yourself as well as for a possible future sale.