A little elbow grease goes a long way when you're preparing your home for sale. Minor repairs and touch-ups prior to marketing can make an invaluable impression on prospective buyers. Generally speaking, you want every area of your home to be as clean, bright and tidy as possible.

First, be sure every area, including the yard, patio and rooftop, is free of clutter and debris. Clean and tidy closets add to the good impression on the prospective buyers. A fresh coat of interior paint can make a world of difference in brightening rooms. Pay special attention to the entry way, as first impressions are of utmost importance. It's also a good idea to ask someone you trust to give your home the "whiff test" for pet and other odors you might not detect.

If you're making improvements exclusively for selling purposes, it's advisable not to go overboard, but rather to pay the most attention to relatively inexpensive cosmetic work. Some experts will tell you if the cost of any improvement exceeds 11/2% of the estimated market value of the property, the improvement is probably not cost effective.

 Here are some simple items likely to yield a positive return on your effort and expense:

 Painting cinder block or cement walls and floors of unfinished basement; exposed, rusty or dirty pipes; shutters; front door. Texture paint ceilings that appear uneven or in need of repair.

 Installing crown molding in living or dining room; ceiling fans; sliding glass shower doors; brass knocker on front door.

·Replacing cabinet and drawer hardware in kitchen and bathrooms; interior and exterior door hardware; light switch plates and any light bulbs that are out; welcome mat; house numbers; mailbox and post.

·Refinishing hardwood floors.

Cleaning Carpets.

  Patching cracks or flaws in outdoor walkways.

  Adding landscaping timbers and fresh mulch to bushes and trees.