10 DIY Projects to Sell Your Home Faster

Jill M. Banks of Happily Better After Room Redesign & Home Staging suggests using baking soda as a way to fight odors: "Baking soda is a natural odor neutralizer, so if a spot in the carpet still smells funky after cleaning, try sprinkling some baking soda on it, leave it for 15 minutes or so, then vacuum."

She says baking soda can also be used in garbage disposals, trash cans, washing machines and refrigerators to knock out mystery smells.

4. Resurfacing cabinets
Replacing your cabinets is undoubtedly a major expense and will likely require a professional to complete. Resurfacing your cabinets is a cost-effective way to spruce up your kitchen, though.

Design expert Kathy Peterson offers the following steps to a perfect cabinet:

• Step 1: Remove hardware, doors and drawers.
• Step 2: Clean the surface.
• Step 3: Deglaze it with liquid sand, then clean again.
• Step 4: Paint and, depending on the style you're looking for, add a tint over the paint (design kits can help you with this).

5. Baseboard repairs
The baseboards in your home are subject to plenty of wear and tear over the years. To make some easy repairs, Frank Foti, business manager adviser for Mr. Handyman, offers these tips:

• Strike nails flush with face of trim board using a nail punch or awl tool.
• Patch holes and/or small cracks/dents with wood filler; sand; re-paint.
• Caulk or re-caulk top of trim to wall .

6. Nail-hole repairs
While nail holes are hard to notice, buyers typically inspect every inch of the house. You don't want to let a small nail hole dissuade potential buyers. Here are more simple suggestions for Foti: