Interior:   Paint and Repair Walls

Fresh paint is a quick and inexpensive way to  give a room a bright new look.  Before you paint, you will need to repair any dents, gouges, nail holes and cracks in the walls.  This is a simple job for the average homeowner.  You'll only need a few simple tools and supplies all of which are found at your local hardware store or home center.  Remember to keep your color palette light and neutral, dark colors make rooms look smaller.  A fresh clean coat of paint does wonders...all in just one afternoon.

You'll be surprised how quickly and inexpensively you can give your kitchen and bath a fresh new look by simply replacing outdated and worn out plumbing and lighting fixtures.  Most home centers have coordinating lighting and plumbing fixtures in a variety of themes. 

Interior:     Revitalize Cabinetry with New Hardware

This is an easy one.  Give your kitchen and bath cabinetry a quick facelift with a thorough cleaning and the addition of new hardware.  Most home centers (and even some discount stores) have huge selections of styles and finishes.  Remember to take one of your old knobs and pulls with you to make sure the new ones will fit existing holes.  

New switches, switch plates and outlets are a small fix that make a big difference.  Next to painting, they are the quickest, easiest way to upgrade a room.  If you live in an older home, install GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) receptacles in potentially wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens-most towns will require this to be done before closing anyway.

*If you are not comfortable working with electrical, please consult a licensed electrician before attempting this task.

Interior:   Get Organized

The key to successful home organization is maximization of space, whether in a closet, garage, basement, attic or any other storage area.  Through a combination of shelving, rods for hanging, drawers and storage bins, you can create a place for everything and be assured that everything is in its place when you need it.  When you organize, take the opportunity to dispose of unwanted clutter.  The less you have to deal with, the easier it is to keep it organized and the larger your spaces will feel to potential buyers.

Interior:   Replace your old flooring

New floors can give your home a whole new look and feel, and are an excellent way to increase the value of your home.  While this might not be a "do-it-yourself" type project, many of the local "home centers" have not only dozens of options but installers available for your convenience.  Whether you decide on wood, laminate, carpet or ceramic, buyers will definitely take notice to this upgrade.

Exterior:   Touch-up your Landscape

Never underestimate the importance of curb appeal.  A well maintained lawn and a few landscaping touches will add a lot to the value of your home.  Make sure you lawn looks its best by reseeding bare spots, applying a quick greening fertilizer and making sure it is properly cut.  Create a walkway or small enclosed garden using decorative brick.  These things can be done in a weekend, and the results can be spectacular.

Exterior:   Paint your Exterior Trim

A fresh coat of paint on the trim is an excellent way to increase your home's curb appeal.  It allows you to give your home's exterior a fresh look without going to the trouble and expense of repainting the entire house.  Remember that a good paint job starts with a clean and dry surface.  Sanding, scraping or washing the might be needed before applying paint.

Exterior:   Paint, Stain or Replace your Front Door

Your front door is the first thing most people get a close look at, so it needs to be impressive.  If your door is old, you should probably consider replacing it with a more modern, energy efficient model.  There are many different types of doors available, and the best door for your purposes will depend upon which qualities are most important to you.

If your door is still in good shape, one of the simplest things you can do is replace the hardware.  A new lockset, kick plate and house numbers make a dramatic difference to curb appeal.  You might even consider painting or staining your door to give it a fresh look.

Exterior:    Seal or Stain your Deck

To keep a wooden deck in top shape, you need to take care of it.  It may need nothing more than a good cleaning.  However, to really protect it from the weather, it should be both cleaned and sealed or stained regularly.  Because there is a waiting period between cleaning and sealing, you should plan on this being a multi-day project.