You can make the smaller rooms in your home look more spacious and increase their appeal with a few minor changes. Buyers want to make sure your home is able to accommodate their furniture and their activities. Here are 5 tips to get you started.

1) Neutralize. A soft, neutral palette is pleasing and can make a small room appear larger. Monochromatic doesn't have to be boring. You can create a luxurious look with velvets, cushy pillows and nice art work. Soft accents can add just the right punch.

2) Look up. Window treatments that are hung closer to the ceiling create a more expansive feeling. And if they are hung next to the window instead of on the frame, the room will gain space from the lighter, brighter glow coming through the window.

3) Reflective glitter. Mirrors have always been the best friend of small spaces. Place a mirror to reflect a lovely outdoor scene. Add some silver pieces, glassware or something besides the mirror that has reflective qualities. The room will take on a sophisticated and more expansive look.

4) Make it count. Larger pieces of furniture can anchor a space while small ones appear to take up more room. Pull furniture away from the wall so that the eye sees the space behind. Make good use of built-ins to keep everything behind doors and out of sight.

5) If in doubt, throw it out. Clutter is your worse enemy. Do you really need all those magazines and knick-knacks? They take up visual space, so if you're trying to appeal to a buyer, pack them away.

Green - it's the color of money, especially when it comes to selling your home. No matter how updated your home, if the landscaping is less than pleasing, it can cost you the sale. Beautiful landscaping puts out the welcome mat and announces that you care about your home and its appearance.

To see how your home looks to others, walk to the curb or across the street. Is the grass neat and trimmed? What about bushes and trees? Do they enhance or hide your home?

If your home's curb appeal is less than appealing, it's time to make some changes. It could be as simple as grabbing the pruning shears and lawn mower. If more is needed, visit your nearest garden center. Let them know your budget and what you'd like to accomplish. They can offer a plan and even provide the service.

If you are ready to tackle the job yourself, you might want to start with a trip to the library. Books and videos are available with everything from small cottage gardens to grand schemes fit for a castle. Take into consideration how much sun your yard gets, its size and how much maintenance will be involved.

A variety of bushes and ground covers will add texture and color, while trees create a quiet, sheltered feeling. Replace overgrown shrubbery with smaller groupings of plants that offer year round appeal. Flowers or shrubs with colorful berries can be a lovely way to highlight your home's entrance. Just make sure they do not infringe on the walkway or steps.

Add even more interest with a well placed bench, arbor or gazebo. Structural elements such as fences and walls give your home's outdoor appearance increased value. Stepping stones or a path leading to a fountain or bird bath are charming additions.

The view from inside is also important. Each window is a frame for the outdoor setting, so make the view inviting. Whatever you do, it doesn't need to be complicated. Too much will end up looking cluttered. Simple and beautiful will draw potential buyers inside. And that's what you want.