Most of us are in a perpetual state of home improvement: this needs tweaking, that needs fixing, something else needs replacing. While some of us do home improvement at different times of the year, there is one time it must be done: right before you get ready to sell.

Now, this doesn't mean that you need to completely improve your house: no wrecking ball or architect is really needed. But, there are certain tasks essential to getting a sale. Consider our list of the following five:

The Floors: Over the years, flooring trends have drastically changed. Hardwood, carpet, linoleum, there are a variety of choices a home can have. Unfortunately, some houses still have the choices made by their original owners. If you have a house with hardwood that's gone soft, linoleum that's peeled, or yellow and orange shag carpet that occasionally asks you to a Bee Gees concert, you might want to replace your flooring before your house goes on the market.

The Walls: If your walls could talk, they might say, "Paint me." Before putting a house on the market, you should do just that. A new coat of paint makes a house look fresh, clean, and - like Botox for your home - years younger. It also helps in covering up cracks, creaks, and the occasional dent that walls ultimately meet. When painting walls, don't forget the ceiling: you might not spend a whole time looking up, but that doesn't mean potential buyers won't.

The Windows: New windows are expensive, but so is not being able to sell your house. Nothing takes an old house up a few notches like new windows. If you plainly can't afford new windows, be sure to have them professionally cleaned before your house is placed on the market. You might also want to paint the window sills and buy new mini-blinds.

The Roof: Home owners aren't just in the market for a roof over their head; they are in the market for a roof that doesn't leak, doesn't sag, and isn't in the need of a ton of repairs. But, the roof isn't the only exterior item that warrants repair. Repatching the driveway, planting flowers, fixing fences, picking weeds, caulking windows and doors, and touch up painting should all be performed where needed. The outside of your home is the thing buyers see before anything else: it's what makes the first - and most important - impression.

The Bathroom and the Kitchen: You might not realize it, but the bathroom and the kitchen are the most important rooms in your house. Making repairs to or upgrading these rooms will virtually guarantee an increased value on your home. So, even if the bedroom is begging for new carpet or the basement is demanding to be finished, focus on the kitchen and the bathroom first. The bedroom and the basement know not to take it too personally.

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