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Selling a home is a big deal, no matter the nation's economic situation, but trying to get a good price for your home today is a challenge to say the least. When selling a home in a good market, most homeowners are well aware that a little remodeling can go a long way to make their property stand out from the rest; however, pouring thousands upon thousands of dollars on a house that might be listed under what you had hoped anyway is something different all together. Here are our tips to make your home as presentable and appealing as possible while keeping costs down at the same time!

Take the Cost out of Kitchen and Bath Remodels
Under normal circumstances, many folks depend on kitchen and bathroom upgrades for speedier sells and a prettier price tag. Unfortunately, with today's economic uncertainty, Remodeling Magazine's 2007 average of $55, 503 for a major kitchen remodel and $15,789 for a bathroom remodel are far from affordable in many cases. It's true that kitchens and bathrooms are traditionally some of the most heavily scrutinized areas for prospective buyers, but instead of the projects suggested in a traditional remodel, these less involved jobs can enhance the space for a far smaller investment:

• Instead of replacing your sink and/or bathtub, have it resurfaced.
• Instead of replacing cabinetry, reface or paint it.
• Instead of replacing old tile counters, walls, and backsplashes with stone or laminate, have your tile re-grouted and cleaned.

Enhancing Curb Appeal Inexpensively
First impressions are very important, and itýs hard to imagine a prospective buyer going for your asking price if their first glimpse of the property is disappointing. In the past, many homeowners have installed new siding and called for professional landscaping to increase curb appeal, but each of these projects can easily run you thousands!

• Instead of replacing siding, have it professionally cleaned. If you need a fresh coat of exterior paint, consider doing some or all of the job yourself.
• Instead of hiring a professional, do your own landscaping.

Note: Always remember to make sure the front door is in good working condition!

Saving Money Inside the Home
Traditionally, flooring upgrades and professional painting were often used to boost a selling price. Today, a little elbow grease can go a long way in these areas.

• Instead of replacing carpet, have it professionally cleaned and re-stretched (if needed). Hardwood floors can be refinished to give them new life, but do the research to see if you feel comfortable tackling this job yourself.
• Professional painters can do the job faster, but you can do it cheaper on your own!

Wrap It Up With Professional Cleaning
ServiceMagic estimates the national average cost of hiring a professional maid service to be about $170. In many cases, maid services offer a single, thorough cleaning that is very affordable and will make your house look its very best at a fraction of the cost of any remodeling project!

One More Thing
Though they are probably two of the most neglected areas of the home, when it comes to prospective buyers, attics and basements can be real selling points. If they are clean, organized, and look like they've been paid attention to, a prospective buyer may easily imagine all that can be done with the space. If they look like no one's been in them for the past 10 years, the possibilities of what they could become might not be so apparent!

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