Today's economy has made us all more conscientious about maximizing a home's features when we put it on the market. Previously, its value pretty much tied in with the number of bedrooms it had, in the neighborhood where it sat. But you need to showcase each and every feature of your home to get fair value for it from your buyer.

There's a lot of sprucing up you can do, but first you need to take care of basics. Before you move to aesthetics, check out the roof, the cement work, and the wall or ceiling conditions. It doesn't make sense to spend time or money on anything else if these basics are deficient.

You can paint or clean the exteriors where necessary, and repair cracks in the cement on your sidewalks or in the driveway. This might even be a requirement if your buyer goes through an FHA or VA loan program. The cracks might not look too bad now, but wait until they sprout weeds and get bigger. Fix them with patching compound-ask at your local do-it-yourself store-or some latex sealer, preferably silicon-based. On a warm day, you can blast out loose debris with your hose and apply the compound.

While you're outside, get a jump on that roof. Get up on a ladder and take a look at the flashings around the chimney and vents. Investigate each corner. You can buy neoprene flashing compound to fix any gaps you find. It's also wise to check your shingles for warps, cracks, and looseness. Seal up whatever you can. Clean anything out of the gutter that shouldn't be there.

Next, turn a critical eye on your yard. Does it look like a lush, inviting place to rest and entertain guests? If necessary, rake up dust and throw out debris. You're going to have to get rid of the junk when you move anyway; you might as well do it now. Invest in some clean, matching chairs or benches; even if they're inexpensive, they'll look much better than broken, mismatched pieces.

Move indoors and begin some general cleaning to remove clutter. Before you invest in contractors or a massive home improvement scheme, take a look around to fix things where needed. You can correct a lot of sins with your own hammer and screwdriver. Throw out your white elephants, and organize your closets.

Think about creating or renovating an office within your home. With today's computer commuters, many people work out of their homes, so they'll appreciate an attractive workspace. If you have an unused bedroom or den, paint or panel it, install appropriate window treatments, and add some shelving.

Brighten up your kitchen by painting your cabinets. Check in your area for a cabinetry outlet store where you can find cabinet sets that are discounted because of limited quantities. Fix cracked floor or counter tiles. Consider installing recessed lighting, or invest in bright new curtains for the windows.

If you've never had enough bathrooms in the home, use an old closet or space beneath the stairs to create a powder room. Even if it has just a toilet and sink, it'll add a lot of value in the eyes of someone who is considering whether the facilities are sufficient for their family's size. If you already have one, invest fifty bucks in matching curtains and towels, potpourri or candles, and some pretty soaps.

Last but not least, spend time brainstorming with your family about your home's good points. For example, if it's built on a slab, instead of focusing on its lack of a basement, you might point out that it has never been flooded. If your school district has a good report card, that's a plus for families with children. If taxes were raised recently, it's unlikely that they will be levied again in the near future. Putting your brains to work can be as helpful as using elbow grease if you want to add value to your home.