If you're planning to sell your Indianapolis area home, chances are you're also planning a few home improvement projects to help make that sale. Here's some good news: although they sound intimidating, home improvement Indianapolis Master Bath Improvement | neutral paint, updated fixtures and lightingprojects don't have to be large scale or budget busting to add appeal and value to your home. The best home improvement projects to prepare your Indianapolis area home for sale are ones that are affordable and universally appealing.

Unless your home is in need of a major rehaul (Not sure? Ask your REALTOR®.), a realistic budget for pre-sale home improvements is about 2 percent of your home's value; roughly $4000 for a $200,000 home. That's not an insignificant amount of money, but the pay-off can come in the form of more showings, better first impressions of your home, a quicker sale, and a higher percentage of list price received at sale.

Before embarking on any home improvement projects, get a free estimate of the value of your home and be sure to ask your REALTOR® to prepare a report showing you what comparable homes in your neighborhood have to offer. This will help you set a budget and decide which home improvements will benefit you the most.

5 easy and inexpensive home improvement projects

Create curb appeal. First impressions count. Don't miss the opportunity to make buyers want to see what's inside by neglecting the outside. Weed, mow, trim and mulch. Potted flowers on the front porch or lining the walkway are an inexpensive and easy way to make things pop!

Replace your front door. Warmly welcome buyers into your home with a stylish new front door. Make sure to pick one that reflects the architectural style of your house. And unless you really know what you are doing, enlist the help of a professional to install it! If your entry door is wood, a coat of paint and updated hardware might be all that's necessary!

Best Indianapolis Home Renovation Projects | Sherwin Williams Kilim BeigePaint the walls. A fresh coat of pain in a neutral but stylish color lends to the "move-in ready" appearance buyers want. Neutral colors create a sense of warmth and livability, and make rooms appear larger, brighter, cleaner, and more functional. Fishers home stager Sarah Coudret recommends Sherwin Williams Kilim Beige as a great choice for the entire house.

Coordinate kitchen appliances. You don't have to invest in pricey stainless steel - especially if the value of your home doesn't support the expense. At the very least, though, your appliances should all match. Mismatched appliances, even if they are brand new, are disconcerting to buyers. And stick to the basics: all white, silver, or black. No red, please!

Update lighting, fixtures and hardware. Nothing screams outdated like shiny brass light fixtures and hardware. What's current? Bronze or brushed nickel. Home improvement stores have good selections of attractive fixtures for surprisingly reasonable prices.