Inexpensive: DIY: These upgrades may boost your selling price

When you're trying to sell a house, looks matter almost as much as a competitive price. But you don't necessarily have to spend big to give your interior a pre-sale face lift — try these wallet-friendly options instead.

* Tile paint can spruce up sad kitchen tile in a hurry. Choose a high-quality product and apply carefully to give things a fresh new look for prospective buyers.

* Don't replace your dated laminate countertops — refinish or recover them. You can use specialty paints, peel-and-stick coverings, or new laminate sheets.

* Beat-up carpets and linoleum look terrible, and if they can't be salvaged with cleaning or repair, luxury vinyl flooring is a cost-effective replacement option that can give your home a well-maintained appearance.

* Consider new faucets and cabinet hardware to give an updated look with manageable costs.

* Declutter your house. It's cheap to do and a necessary task if you plan to move.

* Put a fresh coat of paint on all the walls. Choose a light and airy neutral, like cream, beige, or pale gray, and avoid bold statement colors and accent walls.