When planning a home improvement project you may have favorite 'must do' projects, but it pays to design with resale in mind:

Select neutral colors: They create a blank canvas effect for potential buyers, please do not use white on your walls. Stay with warm soft neutral tones.

Upgrade your kitchen first: It's the one room buyers use consistently to determine how well a house has been maintained.

Paint, paint, paint: It's the quickest and most inexpensive makeover technique. If the exterior paint is faded or weather-beaten, a fresh coat of paint is a cost-effective sales tool.

Hide those flaws: Textured wallpapers and faux wall finishes hide a multitude of surface flaws.

Focus on floors: Whether wood, tile, laminate or vinyl, make sure they're inviting, not cracked or discolored. Again, neutrals sell best, natural wood best of all.

Landscaping: You can boost your property value over 20% by a installing sprinkler system, a new lawn and bushes on your property.

Keep all options open: One man's workshop is another man's wine cellar. Don't eliminate options when you remodel rooms.