Selling Points!

Realtors say today's top-value home improvement project is a front-door upgrade.  Return on investment: up to 130 percent. Siding, roofing, landscaping, and other curb-appeal improvements also rank high in getting a home sold faster.  Inside, carpeting and painting should be fresh. "Take away those pain points for the buyer," says Julie Reynolds, senior director at Realtor.com, "and remember that Web appeal is the new curb appeal."  Nine out of 10 buyers search online and spend 12 weeks looking.  They look at 12-16 homes in person. - Better Homes and Garden September 2010