When you put your home up for sale, you are probably going to get comments from the agents that certain things need changing in order to get a better price, it sometimes does take an outsider for you to realize this, but do not go over the top with your spending as you may not get the return on your investment.

What not to do.

Carpet - It is true that a carpet that is dated and dirty may hinder the sale, so go ahead and change the carpet, but to a reasonable replacement, not a top of the range carpet, which the new owners may even hate and replace.

Kitchen - Some appliances may need changing, but remember some people want to either use their own appliances or buy new ones, so instead of you going out and buying the most expensive models, buy the lowest price appliances you can find, they will look good and make the kitchen look much cleaner.

Bathroom - It is true that the bathroom can be a the pivot on which a house sale hinges on, if the bathroom is a bit tired, then all that is needed is a major clean up, remove everything from the bathroom, all cosmetics etc, and then buy some expensive cleaning materials that really do the job, these will cut through all of the grime and bring the shine back.

Exterior - It is always tempting to give the outside a coat of paint, but in most cases a power wash to clear anything that is unsightly, but the one thing that can really do a great job and make your house look clean and tidy, is a coat of paint on the front door, nothing that stands out to much from the rest of the houses, though.

Trees and Hedges - At first it is tempting to cut back everything, but this can have a serious effect on the salability as an established garden is for the most always desirable, whereas by cutting back the garden will look bare and open.

Source  [Salem News]