In the current economy, it’s more important than ever for home sellers to find creative ways to attract buyers without breaking the bank. To increase a home’s value, the most cost-effective investment is some plastic trash bags; stuff them with the junk from outside the house. Nothing could be more common-sense than cleaning up the yard and exterior, right?

"It’s surprising how many people don't realize the importance of doing this," says Steve Berges, a Michigan real estate investor and expert renovator. His book, "101 Cost-Effective Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home,” lists home improvements and ranks each project's "impact value."

• One-star impact value - won't add to the home's value and might lower it.
• Five-star impact value - could add $1.50 or more to the home's price for every dollar spent.

WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT PAYS OFF
"Visibility adds value," Berges says. "To get the best bang for the buck, put a higher priority on improvements that are easily seen.”
The key is to think like a buyer. They drive up to a house, and if they're not repelled by what they see, they step inside and look around.

CREATE CURB APPEAL
Debbie Rogers, owner of Paradise Porch, offers tips to improve the visual appeal of your home.

• Power washing the dirt off of siding is relatively inexpensive and makes a major difference.
• Repaint the trim once the exterior walls are clean.
• Choose only two or three colors for the exterior or the look will be too busy.
• A deep color is effective on the front door and any shutters.
• Consider replacing the front door – or adding an attractive screen or storm door.
• Make sure house numbers are clean and visible from the street.
• Be sure your mailbox is attractive and clean.

INEXPENSIVELY INCREASE YOUR HOME’S VALUE
If you’re fixing up your home to sell on a shoe string budget, WikiHow offers ways to keep improvements simple and cheap. 

Eliminate clutter inside the home.  A tidy interior seems larger and more elegant.

Wash walls and windows.  A good cleaning makes your home’s surfaces look good as new.  Clean windows so you can’t tell they are there.

Put up fresh curtains and blinds to make a better impression.

Clean the carpet. Shampoo, steam or dry clean your carpets, or hire a professional to do it. 

Install modern light switches and outlets using the wires already running to the old switches. Dimmer switches are especially desirable.

Refinishing kitchen cabinets is relatively inexpensive.  Make a dark or small kitchen look larger and brighter by using a light finish on the cabinets.

Hire a professional floor plan company to check your home's square footage, which is sometimes higher than your county assessor has recorded. This enables you to list your home for more money, but at the same price per square foot.

Paint with a neutral color to make the house seem larger. Semi-gloss paint will make your walls seem brighter.

Clean, clean, clean.  Houses that look and smell clean have great market appeal.