Before selling a house, owners think of ways to repair certain parts of the home to enhance its selling price, but do owners know which fix will bring the money in? Specific answers to this often-asked question largely depend on a variety of factors such as:

* Time of year
* Location of the home
* Market temperature
* Competing inventory

There are general guidelines that apply to most homes when repairing it before selling.

1. Flooring Fixes

* Hardwood Floors

If your home has hardwood floors, that’s what buyers want, and it would pay to have the carpeting removed and the floors refinished.

* Carpeting

If your floor is plywood, then replace the carpeting with light tan. Neutral carpeting is your best bet for resale.

* Ceramic

Replace chipped or cracked tiles. Clean or replace the grout. But don’t install ceramic (it’s too expensive) unless it’s for aesthetic reasons in an entry way.

2. Paint Ceilings & Walls

* Wallpaper

They hate your wallpaper - because it’s your personal choice, not theirs. And they hate all dated wallpaper. The easiest way is to steam it off by using an inexpensive wallpaper remover steamer.

* Wood panelling

Even if your wood panelling is not real wood but composite, you can paint it. Older wood panelling such as walnut, mahogany, cedar and pine, it’s all gone out of style. Paint it a neutral and soft color after priming it.

* Textured ceilings

Older popcorn ceilings with the “sparkles” often contain asbestos and if disturbed are health hazards. But even recently sprayed ceilings turn off buyers. Lay down drop cloths and scrape it off.

3. Kitchen Improvements

* Cabinets

Resurfacing is your best option. This involves attaching a thin veneer to the surface of the cabinets and replacing the doors and hardware. If your cabinets are painted, add a fresh coat of paint and new hardware.

* Counter tops, sinks & faucets

Granite counters are not necessary. Simple laminates, newer faucets and sparkling sinks sell. Buyers don’t want leaky faucets or stained sinks.

4. Bathrooms

For bathrooms, new floors, fixtures and lights payoff.

5. Roofs & Exterior

* Patch cement cracks in sidewalks

* Resurface asphalt driveways
* Plant flowers
* Caulk windows and doors
* Replace doorknobs and locks
* Fix or paint fences