Little Additions That Raise the Value of a House

Kitchen

• Update your kitchen with small changes that spell out attention to detail to prospective buyers. Paint the walls a warm, neutral color. If you haven't changed your cabinet fixtures in over 10 years, switch them up for something more modern looking. Install a new faucet and handles on your sink, and update the lighting with energy-efficient lamps and task lighting over the stove and counters.

Bathroom

• Replace your old bathroom floor with something sleek and modern looking. For example, if you have linoleum, you can install peel and stick tiles over your old flooring to change the look of your bathroom in a couple of hours. Freshen up the paint with something bright. Add bold accent colors around the room. Add new grout around your tub, or if the bathtub is truly out of shape, invest in a tub surround. These all-in-one fiberglass pieces can make your tub and surrounding walls look pristine and new.

Living Room

• Replace old shades or curtains with new drapes, plantation shutters or new vertical blinds. Get rid of your old lamps and find more modern replacements. Clean the fireplace, install a ceiling fan and add some simple crown molding to top off the room.

Outdoors

• While outdoor improvements may not have the biggest return on the investment, if your place doesn't look inviting, prospective buyers may not stop to view your home. Spend some time and money painting the front door and replacing the welcome mat. Clean out the gutters. Power wash the siding, sidewalks and driveway to get rid of built-up grime and grease. Plant large beds of flowers and add individual specimen bushes or trees as accent pieces.