Sellers-Improve it or Leave it?

In a buyer's market, the idea is to give your home a marketing edge - without overdoing it.

The objective of improvements you should make is not necessarily to give you a return on your money. Instead, they should be largely generic, cosmetic improvements that enhance your home's functionality, efficiency and aesthetics - to give it an updated feel. You want it to stand out from the competition so it sells faster, but maybe not for more.

Often that simply means cleaning up and removing clutter. A new coat of paint, new carpeting, freshly manicured landscaping, updated fixtures, doors and other touches will put your home in the best light for a quicker sale.