Maybe I've been watching too many "reality house-fixer" shows, but it seems like all those folks have unlimited budgets and unlimited time, and for some of us, it's just not like that. You can easily spend fifteen or twenty thousand dollars on things like re-plumbing and re-wiring and end up living in the same house you had before you spent the money.

Here are three ideas that are quick and easy, you can do them yourself, and they give almost instant gratification.

In addition, these are the first three things I would do if I were trying to get ready to sell any house, so here goes:

1.  Paint everything in sight. Take down dated wallpaper, and try to choose lighter colors. They make the rooms appear larger.

The odor and look of fresh paint is undeniably associated in our brains with the concept of clean. And that's a great way to start your makeover. And unless you hire an artist, it shouldn't cost too terribly much. Or you can take on the task yourself.

While painting a whole house by yourself can be a large project, you can break it into smaller pieces, maybe one room at a time. The smell of fresh paint is a real morale-booster among buyers, and you'll find yourself enjoying the results as well.

2.  Clean the carpets throughout the whole house. If you have hardwood floors, have them cleaned and waxed.

No, it's not quite the same as new, but the cost to have this maintenance done is likely less than a couple hundred bucks. Again, you'll see immediate improvement in the floor covering you have, and the results are gratifying.

Yes, you can rent a unit from the hardware store for fifty bucks, but it's backbreaking work and I have found that the truck-mounted equipment seems to provide the best results.

One hint: ignore offers of upgrades like a layer of protective chemical for just another hundred bucks. Just the basic cleaning, please.

3.  Wash all your windows, inside and out.

Over the years, windows get dirty, and block out some of the light that should be coming into your house. And it's just that light that makes you feel that a room is "bright and cheerful."  You'll notice a difference right away.

For lightly soiled windows, you can mix a quarter cup vinegar in a gallon of warm water, and use black and white newspaper to clean and polish.

If you prefer to have the job done for you, call local real estate offices to find out who they use. And shop around - prices vary widely.

These suggestions won't solve systemic shortcomings in your house. But they will make the house more pleasant to live in and more attractive to any visitor, whether prospective buyer or not.