It’s interesting how delightful your home feels when it’s just you looking at it. But the minute you decide to sell it, you have to start  thinking like a judge in a “best and worst-dressed star” competition. Then you need to create a budget and prioritize items that will bring you the best return for the least outlay.
The seller’s remodeling basics are: Fix roof leaks, termite damage, slow-draining plumbing, sagging doors, and other obvious or safety concerns. Maximize curb appeal by cleaning or painting the siding.  Spruce up the yard. New entry doors have a very high return on investment (ROI.) Save $$ by throwing an “elbow grease” party. Get capable family and friends to help in return for your famous enchiladas and flan dinner.)
Inside the house, kitchens, bathrooms, and storage sell a home. Kitchens are usually the most costly to update. Be objective if  your kitchen seems smaller and more thread-bare than teen jeans. But this is not the time to be bumping out walls and ordering a six-burner kitchen range. Instead, replace essential items. Here are some critical elements:
1.   Appliances: Buy ENERGY STAR appliances so you can list them as an asset.  Stainless steel exteriors are as popular as those pricey designer pants, but black appliances can save you $$.  Look for sales featuring discounts for multiple appliance purchases. If your kitchen isn’t plumbed for an ice maker in the fridge, forget it. If  only one major appliance is budgeted, replace the range. Get a 30″ kitchen range that has a smaller oven above a larger one.
2.   Cabinets: Have a realtor show you similar nearby houses for sale. Study the kitchens. Those sparkling cabinets may have been cleaned up and had the doors replaced, or sanded and re-stained. Cabinet refacing is usually one-third to half the cost of new cabinets. At the least clean your  cabinets, replace hinges, and door pulls. Avoid dark finishes in smaller kitchens.
3.    Countertops: Today’s kitchens often have granite countertops. Save a bit by buying granite tiles instead of solid granite, or use granite-looking laminates or synthetics.
4.    Walls: Strip off wallpaper, wash off paste residue, and paint walls in a neutral color. White is OUT. Choose a light taupe or very soft mossy green. Replace  window curtains with blinds matching the wall paint.
5.    Plumbing: Replace that leaky faucet with an arched, pull-out kitchen faucet.  If necessary, buy a new stainless sink.
6.    Floors: Strip wax buildup. Patch if possible. Replace only if essential.
Compared to a major kitchen remodeling, these replacements and repairs can look as good as those thrift-store slacks that fit you so perfectly.  Save the fancy pants for your new house.