Here are 10 minimum improvements to make before selling your home:

• Patch all holes and cracks in walls and ceilings.

• Fix all broken appliances and HVAC systems.

• Repair leaky faucets.

• Replace worn carpeting.

• Repaint dark or marred walls with neutral paint (not white).

• Replace broken windows.

• Repair the roof.

• Change out dated light fixtures / ceiling fans.

• Replace old linens / window coverings.

• Fix code violations.

If your real estate market is extremely hot -- a seller's market -- you can get away with fewer fix-ups before selling; however, a home that needs repairs will still deliver a lower price. In slow markets -- a buyer's market -- buyers might not even look at a home that needs work