Make sure the street in front of your house is free of litter and debris. If necessary, give it a fresh sweep.

Sweep your sidewalk if needed and remove weeds that may be growing between cracks.

A freshly painted fence gives a home a crisp look. You should never let a peeling, tired-looking fence or squeaky gate stand between a prospective buyer and a positive first impression.

A quick painting of an old mailbox will let the buyer know you care about the details. If outdoor lamps look rusted and worn out, new ones will cast a positive light on your property.

Like the sidewalk, the walkway should be clean and free of weeds. If sections are badly cracked, consider having them repaired.

There are two elements of the driveway with which you should be concerned. The first is its surface condition. If stained or otherwise worn-looking, consider resealing it with a high quality sealer product. Second, is the appearance of the car parked in the driveway. A newly waxed, well-maintained automobile will make a much different statement about you and your property than an unattractive, poorly cared for car.

A fresh coat of paint can be one of the best investments you can make to increase the value of your property. If you do not want to spend the money to paint the entire house consider just the shutters or the front of the house.

If you have vinyl or aluminum siding, have a cleaning service wash or repaint it using a product designed for these materials.

Attractive windows can help increase the appeal of your property. Replace any cracked or broken glass. Make sure the windows are sparkling clean. Add shutters to the front of your house. Install window boxes with bright flowers. Apply touch-up paint where needed.

The roof may be the single most important aspect of your home front. A well-maintained roof will say a lot about the overall condition of the property. Replace any broken or missing shingles or tiles. Repair flashing where needed. Paint eaves and fascia boards. If the roof is old and needs to be replaced, consider having the work done before showing the property.

The doorway is the focal point of your house. Repaint the door. Apply new door hardware. Install a brass kick plate. Replace house numbers. Put a flower box or planter alongside the door. Install a new front light fixture.

The entry is where the first impression of the interior is created. Here you have an opportunity to make a big statement in a small area. Repaint the entry using light, neutral colors. Move a prized antique or attractive furnishing to the entry, where it will have maximum impact. Apply a fresh coat of polyurethane to a wood floor. Tile or linoleum flooring should shine. Replace plastic switch plate covers with brass or porcelain. A new hall light fixture can make a great impression. Ensure that the room is well lit.

The kitchen is perhaps the most important room in the house. It can have a major impact on the value of your property. If your kitchen needs some real help, you may want to make extensive improvements. The following ideas can increase the appeal of your kitchen without spending a great deal of money. Make sure the room is virtually spotless and smells fresh. Try putting a quarter section of a lemon in the disposal and grinding it up. Consider replacing outdated light fixtures with new track lighting. If appliances are dated by colors like harvest gold or avocado, consider having them professionally refinished in a new color. Spruce up kitchen cabinets with new hardware.

The bathroom has become an important selling feature in today's home. It is a room that has moved from the utilitarian to the exciting. There are many ways you can improve deficiencies and create interest through various levels of enhancement. Place a vase of fresh flowers on the vanity. Replace an old toilet seat with a new one. Replace an old light fixture with a new style light strip or make-up light. Refinish an old porcelain tub. Add color and richness with new towels and a shower curtain.

The living room is an area we do very little living in yet it is a major selling point of a house. Buyers look for elegant and impressive living rooms to make the right statements to their friends and relatives. Use mirrors whenever possible to enhance the perception of size. A fireplace is one feature that everyone can appreciate, show it off to it's best advantage. Make sure it is swept clean and that the screen is in good condition. Use inexpensive freestanding accent lights to create dramatic visual effects behind large plants or pieces of furniture. Liberal use of fresh flowers and plants will enhance the environment.

The bedrooms can do as much to sell your house as they can to turn off a buyer. Make sure the bedrooms are absolutely spotless. Rugs should be cleaned, windows washed and fresh smells from flowers or lemon oil should be in the air. Organize closets to increase their perceived size. Mirrored closet doors can add dramatically to the feeling of size in any bedroom. A ceiling fan can be an attractive and practical accent to any bedroom.