According to research originally done by HomeGain, here are a few poven ways to increase your home's selling value....

Clean / de-clutter - 973% Average Return on Investment: Remove clutter by storing items in basement, attic or friend’s home. Rent a storage space or sell excess items, if needed. Keep every room very clean during open homes. Do pre-open house cleanliness inspections.

Lighten and brighten - 865% Average Return on Investment: Replace any burnt-out bulbs and use higher wattage bulbs, if possible. Have defective electrical components repaired or replaced. Make sure skylights are clear and keep drapes open during the day.

Staging - 251% Average Return on Investment: Buy some fresh flowers, live plants and other decorations to liven up the home. Dispose of old furniture or other large items. Consider renting furniture or hiring a staging consultant.

You can get the full list of suggestions here and a Home Sales Maximizer calculator here.

Some of the statistics seem a bit dubious (I'd challenge their suggestion that unseen improvements like plumbing upgrades can return 260%) but the list is indeed worth a read.

(via Lifehacker)