As a home seller, you don't want to let the small -- or big -- fixes around your house that have added up over the years sabotage your bottom line during a resale. Buyers and home inspectors will notice these maintenance issues during a walk-through. So now is the time to make these upgrades -- repair a cracked window or mildewed caulk in the master bathroom -- before they tour your property.

Today's buyers want a move-in-ready home, real estate experts say. So you'll need to be prepared to have to spend some extra cash to help get yours ready to list. You'll be able to recoup some of the cost depending on the project, but don't expect to get the full amount. For example, you'll get just 53% back on the cost to replace a wooden front entrance doorway with a fiberglass version (about $9,254), according to Remodeling magazine's 2020 Cost vs. Value report. You'd take home just $4,930 at sale.

Before footing the bill for any repairs, you'll want to consult with a local real estate agent to find out which home features buyers in your area desire most. This should help you determine which of your home's much-needed improvements are worth the effort and to set a remodeling budget that's realistic.

The problem areas mentioned in this slide show are among the biggest buyer turn-offs, according to industry studies and interviews with real estate agents and home-staging experts who deal with buyer preferences every day. They distract potential buyers and detract from all the great things your home does have to offer. Many are easy to fix. You can even do some yourself if you have the time, or enlist the help of a handyman for a fee. Take a look.

Clutter and Dirt

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Ugh. You want buyers to imagine living in your home, not to wonder "How can these people live like this?" when they come through the front door.

It's not too soon to sort through your stuff. Donate, sell, recycle or trash whatever you don't want or need in your next home. Pack up your tchotchkes and other non-essential stuff that you want to keep (store the boxes neatly in your garage or other storage area). Tidy and organize drawers, cabinets or closets that buyers will be sure to check out. Then thoroughly clean your house, top to bottom, and be prepared to keep it that way until you move out.

Cost to fix: You may be able to get boxes for free from the grocery or liquor store, or visit a local storage-rental place, which often sells various sizes of moving boxes for a reasonable price. Cleaning costs you little -- just the cost of supplies -- if you supply the elbow grease. For a professional deep cleaning, you can expect to pay from $300 to $360 for a 2,000-square-foot house with three