We've all heard the sating that your home is your greatest asset. Although this is true to a certain extent you need to keep in mind that your home is only worth what its worth within the current real estate market. The value of property is relative and although its traditionally been a very stable market in the long term, there is a lot of fluctuations in the short term.

If you want to sell your home, then its very important that you maximize the value. Obviously the more you get, the better a property you can invest in for your next home. In some ways, fixing up houses and increasing their value is an art and many people make a living doing just that by "flipping houses". You don't need to be an expert to be able to increase the value of your home. There are a few very simple things you can do that can potentially add a lot of dollar value to the selling price.

1. Painting

A paint job goes a long way. In fact, you'd be surprised when you see just what a lick of paint can do to the value of your home. Selling is all about the perceived value and by presenting your home in the best possible way, you can really increase this perceived value. Its really important that you give the inside a new layer of paint and stick to basic whites. It will make everything look new and fresh and for a few hundred dollars you can potentially add thousands to the price of your home.

2. Garden

A nice garden is something that can swing even the most stubborn buyers. Greenery is such a rare thing these days and if you can add a few flower beds, a lawn and some nice leafy trees then the overall look and feel of your home will be so different. Plants are cheap and it's a really inexpensive way to add more perceived value to your home.

3. Bathroom

Its ironic, but the bathroom is often the one room in the house that makes or breaks a sale. There is absolutely no excuse. Your bathrooms have to present well. An old, stuffy bathroom will chase away buyers. If you are going to spend money, spend it on the bathroom. Keep is simple and clean. It's the one investment in your home that will pay off when it comes to clinging the deal.