In these uncertain times, it has never been more imperative to make your house stand-out in order for it to sell. Here are some easy and inexpensive do-it-yourself fix-ups that can significantly raise the resale value of your home.

First and foremost, remove personal items and clutter throughout your house. Clean off countertops, organize shelving and closets, and tidy-up every room. Scrub down every surface of the kitchen and bathrooms – make your house sparkle.

Wash all the windows on the interior as well as on the exterior. Replace or remove old or outdated window treatments such as curtains or blinds. Update all the lighting fixtures, outlet covers, and light switch covers. Also, remove anything that obstructs natural light from coming in through the windows.

Rearrange your furniture to maximize the space in each room. You may want to bring in new furnishings and accessories that complement the living space such as side tables or area rugs. Hang up wall art or other tasteful pictures and keep hand towels neatly displayed in the bathrooms.

Enhance your home’s curb appeal in the front and back yards by adding shrubs, bark mulch, and flowers. Make sure that the lawn is regularly cared for and manicured, and plants and bushes are neatly trimmed.

Repair any plumbing  leaks that you may have such as under the kitchen or bathroom sink. Get rid of any mildew stains and make sure all the plumbing is in good working order. Fix all of the lights or electrical outlets that do not work, update old wiring with new wiring for modern appliances.

Lastly, have the carpets steam-cleaned and replace any worn carpeting. If you have floors that creak, you may want to have those fixed as well.

You will have a much easier time selling your house if you complete these simple yet crucial enhancements. These affordable home improvement projects are key for giving your home its maximum resale value and the biggest bang for your buck.

Are you skeptical of home ownership in light of the recent downturn in the housing market? Do you wonder whether in this current real estate market if it’s a good idea to buy a home or to continue renting? These are valid concerns, but even in today’s market, home ownership continues to be beneficial for individuals as well as society as a whole.

In a recent poll, when asked if owning a home was a smarter financial decision to renting, 96% of home owners agreed that it was and even 71% of renters said that owning was a better decision. According to a Federal Reserve Board report on household finances, the median net worth of families that owned their home in 2007 was $234,200 while the median net worth for families that rented was only $5,100. Home ownership is maybe the most certain way to accumulate net worth, and many times it is the most significant and largest investment in many middle-income American’s investment portfolios.

Besides the financial benefits to the home owner, there are also several benefits for society. Students from families that own their home tend to score higher on achievement tests in math and reading than do students from families who rent, according to a 2001 report from Harvard University. Additionally, home owners are more engaged in their communities than those who rent. According to a recent poll, more than half of home owners felt committed and connected to their communities, whereas less than 40% of renters shared the same feeling. Home owners expressed that they felt safe in their neighborhood, and for good reason – they have resided in their homes longer than renters typically do, and get a chance to know their neighbors very well as a result. Both home owners and renters agree that owning your home strengthens the neighborhood and surrounding community.

It is also evident that young adults share the same desire for home ownership just like their parents and grandparents did before them. About 75% of the young adults who participated in the poll acknowledge that owning a home provides a healthy and well-balanced environment for raising a family. Over 66% say that owning a home is part of their long-term financial plans. More than 80% agreed that over several years, it makes more sense to own a home than to rent.

It is quite clear that there is a strong relationship between owning a home and experiencing a higher quality of life – at home and in the community. Finding a home may pose many challenges along the way, but in the long-run it is well worth it.